Aprendendo a transformar calor em trabalho: uma abordagem potencialmente significativa no ensino de máquinas térmicas a vapor

Abstract

The general objective of this work is to develop and apply a didactic sequence aimed at teaching thermodynamics and thermal steam engines in high school, this is a topic of great relevance and essential for a more complete and meaningful understanding of the content. To support this proposal, the theoretical framework includes learning concepts based on the studies of Vygotsky and Ausubel and the contributions of Marco Antônio Moreira to the Teaching of Physics. The didactic sequence, prepared according to the Potentially Significant Teaching Units (UEPS) methodology, integrates practical and theoretical activities distributed in three stages: an introduction with videos and creation of mental maps, the construction and competition of pop-pop boats and research, construction and presentation of thermal steam engines, in addition to observing the operation of a Stirling engine. The results obtained demonstrated that the students involved in the project achieved an understanding of the technical and historical aspects of thermal machines, validating the effectiveness of the proposed methodological approach.