This article examines the development of physics classes in which, using a multimedia, the Law of Universal Gravitation is discussed in context from the History of Science and a current theme (the satellites). The objective was to examine how high school students accept and engage in this study using a qualitative methodological approach. Multimedia describes satellites, and brings a historical narrative from the ideas of Ptolemy's planetary motion to Isaac's ideas and his Universal Law of Gravitation. Interviews, classroom observations and documents produced by students show that the images, movies and texts contained in the significantly enriched multimedia content, facilitate the understanding of physics concepts. The historical and thematic context, in turn, produces greater involvement of students in physics.
Physics teaching; High School; Educational technology; Multimedia
