Problem solving in Science teaching: use of Artêmia salina as experimental model for the study of medicinal plants in basic school

• Main Authors: Andreia Caroline Fernandes Salgueiro, Aline Silva Goulart, Débora Lopes Viçosa, Cátia Silene Carrazoni Lopes Viçosa, Vanderlei Folmer
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, SBBq 2018-12-01
• Series: Journal of Biochemistry Education
• Subjects: Educação em Ciências; Estratégias de Ensino; Experimentação
• Online Access: http://bioquimica.org.br/revista/ojs/index.php/REB/article/view/814

Traditional education has been criticized for not preparing students for coping with problem situations. The Problem Solving Methodology (PSM) is based on a research-oriented approach. We present here a proposal of work with the PSM applied to the study of medicinal plants with the experimental model Artêmia salina. Here, 25 students from the 6th and 7th years of elementary school participated. The activity lasted five days and was held in the school's science lab. The results show that the use of the experimental model allied to PSM was effective in increasing students' interest and participation in the proposed activity. Likewise, the use of the laboratory as a counterpart to the classroom facilitated the process of "becoming a scientist". The students, at the end of the activity, demonstrated a significant learning of the topics covered, with a broader perspective on what is Science.