pyramid: an introduction to the study of optics in
elementary school
“Holographic” pyramids. Holograms. Teaching Physics. elementary
education. Optics.
We are at all times bombarded by new technologies that allow us many exploits, many
of them unimaginable decades ago. In this scenario, the film industry further enhances
the popular imagination by displaying, for example, hypothetical interactive holograms
through science-fiction films and superheroes. In addition to the cinemas, we can also
mention the holograms in several other scenarios (awards events, marketing and
electoral campaigns, music shows, among others), some of which use devices
commonly known as "holographic" pyramids. These pyramids can provide the clear
impression that the viewer is observing a real and tangible object. However, as
discussed in this dissertation, most of these references to holographic images are
mistaken, that is, in addition to not being holograms in fact, they are just twodimensional
images. This can generate excellent educational opportunities for the
debate on the themes of optical illusions and holograms, especially when we consider
the transition from the naive curiosity of the individual to an epistemological curiosity.
In this way, we developed an educational product through a didactic sequence for the
introduction to the study of optics in elementary education. We take as a starting point
the construction of a quadrangular "holographic" pyramid and investigate its physical
principle of functioning. The didactic sequence was structured according to the three
pedagogical moments (initial problematization, organization of the knowledge and
application of the knowledge) developed by Demétrios Delizoicov and that have freirian
educational bases. Through the application of the didactic sequence, we show the main
results, obstacles, expectations and generate the final educational product including
suggestions of applications in the other levels of schooling. Among the results achieved,
we highlight playful aspects identified in the "holographic" pyramids that favored the
introduction of basic concepts of optics and mathematics in elementary education, as
well as immersion in several factors of scientific construction, such as the formulation
and verification of hypotheses and the collection and interpretation of data.