Architectural origami as a pedagogical resource in understanding the spatial geometry of molecules
Molecular Geometry. Architectural Origami. Didactic Resource. Chemical Education.
In this research, architectural origami boards were elaborated and constructed as a didactic resource, with the objective of evaluating its potential as an educational tool in the teaching of Molecular Geometry. The research was based on some theoretical references: the Vygotsky Socio-interactionist Theory, General Theory of the signs of Charles Peirce and the contributions of researchers of Chemical Education. It was chosen methodologically by a qualitative and participative 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 test two weeks later for long term memory verification. The results showed 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, from the students' previous knowledge, that these advanced their learning. Thus, most of them achieved consistent learning on the subject, developing spatial abilities such as mentally rotating a molecule in space, transposing or translating a representation of 2D to 3D molecules, and vice versa, as well as perceiving some relationships between properties of molecules and molecular geometry. The students enthusiastically participated in the activities and presented good cooperation when working in groups, sharing doubts and experiences with their peers. The presence of the teacher as mediator in this process was of fundamental importance for the correct use of the didactic material and deepening of the developed theme.