Recommended Prior Knowledge

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Objectives

- Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of physical and natural objects and phenomena.
- Uses hypothetical-deductive reasoning to formulate problems and testable hypotheses.
- Uses experimental procedures.
- Demonstrates curiosity, a critical mindset, respect for evidence, openness to new ideas, and persistence in carrying out activities.
- Organizes, analyzes, and interprets relevant information.
- Designs, develops, and evaluates practical science activities.

Teaching Methods

The classes in this curricular unit will have, above all, a practical character, privileging active methodologies centered on the student through practical and experimental activities related to the subjects indicated in the syllabus and participation in field work on different topics.

Students’ active participation will be encouraged, in individual and group work, and reflection on their experiences in class will be encouraged, with a view to promoting a sustained and integrated construction of knowledge.

The planned tutorial follow-up refers to the support of the groups in the construction of hands-on science activities. This monitoring may be in person and/or at a distance, in the latter case the use of collaborative work platforms is preferred.

Internship(s)

Não

Syllabus

Taking themes from Natural Sciences as a reference, such as: properties of materials, earthquakes and volcanoes, light, sound, electricity and magnetism, functions of living beings in relation to the environment,... students will carry out various practical activities to:

- Observation and manipulation of scientific processes in nature and in a laboratory environment;

- Identification/formulation of problems and hypotheses susceptible of direct experimental testing, followed by test, analysis and discussion;

- Planning of hands on activities, execution, analysis and discussion;

- Construction of simple technological models.

Content Explanation

The choice of syllabus stems from the importance of students understanding how they can build and implement hands on science activities and is thus organized from a perspective of execution and development of activities that allow the development of the intended skills.

Methodology Explanation

The developed methodology focuses on the student and aims to approach science in a practical way to awaken their curiosity and participation in the "construction" of the treated concepts.

It is intended that students critically analyse the potential of hands-on activities for science education and learning. Hence the need to provide them with contact with different types of activities.

At the same time, it is essential to encourage reflection in order to identify the potentialities and constraints of using this type of approach, valuing the learning component.

Responsible Lecturer(s)

José Miguel de Freitas - 2.º Semester

Bibliography

https://www.scienceinschool.org/

https://www.ase.org.uk/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

Bhatt, U., Lancor, R., Newman, D., Sprott, C. & Watts, C. (2007). Physics Experiments That You Can Do at Home. Madison: University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Costa, M., Dorrío, J., Michaelides, P. & Divjak, S. (2008). (Eds.). Selected Papers on Hands-on Science. Hands-on Science Network.

Costa, M., Dorrío, J., Dios, M. & Ojeda, M. (2022). (Eds.). Hands - on Science. Rethinking STEAM education in times of uncertainty. Hands-on Science Network.

Eshach, H. (2006). Science Literacy in Primary Schools and Pre-Schools. Dordrecht: Springer.