Architectural origami as a pedagogical resource in understanding the spatial geometry of molecules
Molecular Geometry, Architectural Origami, didactic resource, Chemical Education
In this research, we presented the elaboration and application of architectural origami drawing boards as a didactic resource, aiming to verify their potential in the teaching of Molecular Geometry. The research was based on some theoretical references: the Socio-interactionist Theory of Vygotsky and the contributions of researchers of Chemical Education as Ferreira and Arroio (2013), Leal (2010) and Gilbert (2005) among others. It was methodologically chosen for a qualitative and participatory research. The data were collected from the accompanying pedagogical proposal, which included the application of questionnaires, initial and final, to the whole class, observation of proposed activities in the drawing boards, realization of experimental activity with origami, field notes, satisfaction questionnaire of the material and a two-semester test for long-term memory verification. The results show a priori that when applying the methodology with this didactic material in a 3rd year high school class of a state public school in the municipality of Morada Nova-CE, it was possible to verify that, based on the previous knowledge of the students, these have advanced their learning, and most of them have been able to develop a consistent learning on the subject, developing spatial abilities as perceiving some relations between properties and molecular geometry. The students showed enthusiasm when participating in activities and good cooperation when working in groups, sharing doubts and experiences with their peers. The participation of the teacher as mediator in this process was of fundamental importance for the correct use of didactic material and development of skills such as transposition of a flat to three-dimensional molecule and vice versa.