Levitação acústica e o ensino de ondulatória - uma abordagem investigativa

Abstract

This work presents an alternative way to approach the content of standing pressure waves, through an experimental approach. Traditional textbooks show pictures that can make students create conceptions that do not match those that agree with the mathematical description of the presented phenomenon. We advocate methods of how to build a low cost Sonic Levitator with the Arduino microcontroller to motivate the undulatory theme to the audience. After students observe the low and high pressure points in the technological apparatus, it becomes more natural for the teacher to deal with the mathematical model that can explain why they can balance the test bodies in very specific positions in the air. To facilitate the explanation, we generate a figure that helps to visualize the density distribution of the air molecules, for this case. An Investigative Didactic Sequence (SEI) was developed and applied in Elementary School, High School and Higher Education, through the investigative method for the experimentally approached phenomenon. Validity is demonstrated by the responses of students to the activity developed by SEI. The results obtained show that students understand the functioning and are able to build knowledge on the subject. Furthermore, the criticisms and suggestions collected in the process show that they effectively engaged in the process.