Teaching about the Moon and its phases: an observational proposal for Elementary School

Abstract:

This paper exposes the results of an experimental research about the teaching of the moon and its phases, developed with children in the second year of elementary, in a public school. The inquiry seeks to verify the learning process by observation of the Moon in sky by students as the main basis, using drawings as a form of registration and conversation circles, both accessible to young children. Our aim is to verify which questions and ideas emerge when observation is at the heart of the process and what students demonstrate to understand from this methodological choice, in view of the formation of scientific concepts of Vygotsky for children. The research highlights students' learning regarding the observable movements of the Moon throughout the nights, the change in aspect, as well as other characteristics.

Keywords:
Moon; Elementary School; Sky Observation