LUZ DAS ESTRELAS: A didactic sequence for teaching astronomy and sustainability in an elective subject for high school.
Teaching Astronomy, Three Pedagogical Moments, Spectroscopy
Astronomy, as a scientific field dedicated to the study of celestial bodies and the
phenomena that structure the Universe, is directly related to natural processes that influence
Earth’s dynamics, such as tides, natural cycles, and solar radiation. Despite these connections,
its approach in the school context, especially in secondary education, remains fragmented and
weakly articulated with socio-environmental issues. In this context, this study presents the
development of a didactic sequence entitled “Luz das Estrelas” (Starlight), aimed at teaching
Astronomy and Physics in connection with sustainability within an elective course of the
Natural Sciences learning pathway in Brazilian secondary education. The proposal seeks to
integrate concepts such as gravitation, Earth’s motions, the nature of light, and spectroscopy
with the understanding of environmental phenomena related to mangrove ecosystems. The
research is grounded in the problem-posing pedagogy of Paulo Freire and in the Three
Pedagogical Moments methodology, being structured through an inquiry-based approach
mediated by a narrative. Methodologically, a mixed-methods approach is adopted, using a
diagnostic questionnaire (pre-test), an evaluative questionnaire (post-test), and records of
experimental activities developed by students. Data analysis aims to identify evidence of
learning through the comparison of test results and the interpretation of students’ written
responses. The proposal is expected to contribute to the development of critical thinking and to
a more integrated understanding of science and socio-environmental reality.