Physics teaching using problem situations on the use of ionizing radiation for the diagnosis of breast cancer

Abstract

The present work proposes the use of Problem Situations (PS), developed according to Philippe Meirieu's guidelines, as a facilitating methodology for teaching Modern Physics topics to high school students. As a result of the study, an educational product was developed and consisting of a didactic sequence on electromagnetic radiation, focusing on X-rays used in mammography, which is one of the methods for diagnosing breast cancer, motivating theme of the product and present at PS. The didactic sequence was applied in two classes of the 3rd grade of high school in a state school in Sergipe. During the application of the sequence, Discussions on the topic of breast cancer and mammography as a diagnosis were held, presentation of videos and animated gifs, problem solving and making the electromagnetic spectrum in the form of a puzzle. These activities provided subsidies for the PS solution presented, made the classes more dynamic and promoted better interaction between the students. For data collection, the following instruments were used: investigative questionnaire, PS and resolution of Physics questions in the chosen theme. The collected data showed evidence that the use of PS as a didactic tool for teaching physics was motivating and relevant for the learning of the proposed concepts.