Astronomia no ensino de ciências: o impacto da inclusão de conteúdos de astrofísica no 1º ano do ensino médio

Abstract

This thesis addresses Astronomy in Science Education, with an emphasis on analyzing the impact of including Astrophysics content in the curriculum of the Hrst year of high school. Astronomy, as a Held of scientiHc knowledge, has great potential to spark students' interest in science, promoting the understanding of complex concepts in an accessible manner. The inclusion of Astrophysics, a branch of Astronomy that studies celestial bodies and the phenomena of the universe, is a way to connect teaching with everyday issues and the latest scientiHc discoveries. The study was conducted through a quantitative survey with teachers and students from the Hrst year of high school, considering their perceptions about learning Astronomy and applying astrophysical content. The aim was to assess the impact of this inclusion on the students' cognitive development and their engagement with science. The results showed that the introduction of Astrophysics topics provides a broader understanding of the universe and stimulates students' critical and analytical thinking, as well as fostering an interdisciplinary approach between physics, mathematics, and other sciences. Moreover, the study highlights the need for continuous professional development for teachers, enabling them to address the challenges of incorporating advanced astronomical topics. Therefore, when implemented eYectively, Astrophysics content can be a powerful tool for teaching Science, promoting a more dynamic education connected to scientiHc innovations