Investigando a física da fotossíntese: uma abordagem utilizando o método POE e Arduino

Abstract

This work presents the development and application of an interdisciplinary educational product that explores the interaction of light with matter and its influence on photosynthesis, using the POE (Predict, Observe, Explain) method and an experimental device based on the Arduino platform. Physics education faces significant challenges, such as student demotivation and a lack of practical resources. The POE methodology engages students in investigative activities that promote curiosity and critical thinking, allowing them to predict results, observe phenomena, and explain discrepancies between what was predicted and what was observed. The educational product was designed to facilitate the understanding of physical concepts such as the colors of bodies, the electromagnetic spectrum, the photoelectric effect, and the dual nature of light. To achieve this, an experiment was conducted using an MQ135 gas sensor and an Arduino board to measure the variation in carbon dioxide in plants exposed to different light spectra, highlighting how different light colors can affect the rate of photosynthesis. The results indicate that the investigative and interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the learning of physical concepts but also makes classes more meaningful for students. It is concluded that the developed educational product can be a valuable tool for teachers of various disciplines, contributing to a more integrated and applied approach to science education.