The principles of Green Chemistry in basic education: analysis of the pedagogical potential of a game-book in promoting critical thinking

• Grant number: 25/14234-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Lucia Helena Mascaro Sales
• Grantee: Emily Amábile Tavares
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 25/02263-6 - Chemistry is Green! Educational game book about catalysis and renewable energy sources for high school, AP.R

Abstract

This project aims to produce and apply a pedagogical material game-book type, in which the student is the protagonist of the story through decisions that they must make throughout a non-linear story and through the resolution of problem questions, which will be created based on concrete results of research produced in the CERSusChem/UFSCar research laboratories (supported by FAPESP) and will have the principles of Green Chemistry as their scope. The aim is also to investigate the role of inserting scientific issues into the high school context, evaluating the promotion of scientific thinking and students' curiosity with the knowledge generated in centers of excellence in research, in addition to providing a new type of innovative teaching material, capable of awakening students' interest in scientific careers and improving the teaching-learning process about science. There will be two stages: preparation of the game-book and subsequent application in public schools in the interior of the state. Ultimately, the gamebook on Green Chemistry will be available on digital platforms, mainly co.educa. It is expected that the pedagogical material will be able to promote skills linked to critical and scientific thinking, social responsibility, sustainability using a format that dialogues with youth. (AU)