THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE: ENERGY THAT TRANSFORMS
Keywords: Modern Physics. Physics Education. Discovery Learning. Photovoltaic Cells. Arduino.
This project proposes the development and implementation of an elective course in Modern Physics focused on teaching the photoelectric effect and the operating principles of photovoltaic cells at the high school level, based on Jerome Bruner’s Discovery Learning approach. The adopted methodology is action research, which enables the continuous improvement of teaching practices through iterative cycles of planning, implementation, observation, and evaluation. The course will be offered to first-year high school students at Ricardo Cantanhede State School (EEEFM Ricardo Cantanhede), located in Ariquemes, Rondônia, Brazil, and will consist of 15 theoretical and experimental classes. Throughout the course, students will investigate concepts related to energy and light, conduct experiments using photovoltaic cells, and, as a final project, build a prototype of a solar-powered traffic light controlled by an Arduino microcontroller. The project aims to make the teaching of Modern Physics more meaningful by bridging theory and practice while fostering student autonomy, critical thinking, and active engagement in the learning process. Data will be collected through a diagnostic assessment, an opinion survey, qualitative assessment, and a post-test. It is expected that, by the end of the course, students will understand the relationship between science and technology and recognize the importance of renewable energy in today's society.