The use of Modellus in a classroom as a motivational tool for the study of geometrical optics — a case study

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a research project conducted at the high school Pedro II - Center branch, in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The project used the educational freeware Modellus as a teaching instrument to achieve meaningful learning of the physics and mathematics contents studied in high school, using geometric optics concepts (including flat and spherical mirrors) during experimental classes for the construction of new epistemological references of "learn to learn". The Modellus has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, allowing several geometric optics experiments to be easily simulated, making the classes more dynamic than if it was used traditional teaching methods. The methodological approaches used allowed qualitative and quantitative analysis, a process in which we used active listening to adapt the content and pace of lessons to the needs of students. As a result of the project, we noticed an increase in teacher motivation, who teaches in high school, and he found the software a more dynamic and efficient way to teach physical phenomena, with multiple experiments generated virtual environment. Using this technology, students observed physical phenomena that before were only seen in pictures of books.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12957/sustinere.2015.19629