The shape and movements of the planets in the solar system: a proposal for the science teacher training in astronomy

• Grant number: 11/05536-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2011
• End date: November 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Education - Educational Teaching and Learning
• Principal Investigator: Cristina Leite
• Grantee: Flávia Polati Ferreira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 12/06096-7 - The shape and movements of the planets in Solar System: analysis of the potential of the proposal focused on spatiality, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

The Solar System is one of the most discussed topics of astronomy in the classroom for science teachers of elementary school and is present in most national textbooks. This proposal aims to study aspects of the teaching and learning about astronomy, focusing the particular theme "The shape and movements of the planets in the Solar System". When this theme is adressed, other astronomical phenomena we observe in everyday life, like the seasons of the year, the length of day and night and the eclipses, also will be present. The teaching of this subject can help the comprehension of the three-dimensional character of our universe, since, to understand the spherical shape and the movements of rotation and revolution of the planets it is necessary to understand the third dimension involved. From the topic chosen will be developed, implemented and evaluated the teaching-learning activities in a science teacher training course of the Public of the State of Sao Paulo which will be taught at the Institute of Physicsat University of São Paulo. One goal of this proposal is to contribute to topics of astronomy, which are present in Curriculum Proposal of the State of Sao Paulo, are actually discussed and the difficulties in the classroom. The form of analysis of the activities will focus on the fundamental characteristics for the construction of the concept of spatiality, according to Piaget & Inhelder (1993). (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

FERREIRA, Flávia Polati. A forma e os movimentos dos planetas: uma proposta para a formação do professor em Astronomia. 2013. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Física (IF/SBI) São Paulo.