Desenvolvimento de habilidades cognitivas entre estudantes do ensino médio noturno, utilizando uma Sequência de Ensino Investigativo (SEI) sobre a qualidade do leite

Abstract

Experimentation in chemistry teaching, often limited to demonstrations and verifications, wastes the potential of this tool for building scientific knowledge and developing cognitive skills. In view of this, the general aim of this research was to investigate the impact of an Investigative Teaching Sequence (ITS) on milk quality on the development of cognitive skills in evening high school students. A qualitative methodology was adopted, based on content analysis of lesson recordings, investigation plans drawn up by the students and characterization reports. The results revealed that SEI, despite the difficulties faced in implementation, such as lack of time and the students' initial resistance to reading, contributed to the development of cognitive skills, especially in the domains of “Problem” and “Data recording and analysis”. The students showed greater engagement and curiosity during the experimental activities, building a more critical and contextualized understanding of milk quality. The research reinforces the importance of investigative experiments as a strategy for teaching chemistry in a more meaningful way and for training more aware citizens.