O funcionamento do olho humano: uma sequência didática para o ensino de óptica geométrica no ensino médio

Abstract

In this master dissertation, we present a didactic sequence on the functioning of the human eye. This sequence may be used as part of the geometric optics teaching at the high school level. The dissertation begins with a brief introduction to geometrical optics and to the anatomical constitution of the eye. Then, we present a didactic sequence - with an experimental character - on the functioning of the human eye. The complete didactic sequence - which constitutes our educational product - is in the appendix of the dissertation. In developing this didactic sequence, we emphasize the interaction of students with various objects, such as the dissection of a bull's eye and the assembly of models that represent the human eye in a simplified way. As part of our data collection, we developed a questionnaire, to be applied at the beginning and at the end of the activity. Our proposal, guided by Lev Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development, stimulates the students' interaction in debates, so that through interaction they can make hypotheses, and can test and discuss them. This didactic sequence was implemented in a private school in the city of Maringá, in the state of Paraná, Brazil. We report on this activity, qualitatively exposing the results obtained both in the questionnaires and in the interventions of the students, which were recorded. We found that this approach stimulated the students’ interest as well as led them to a better understanding of the concepts of geometrical optics.