Dissertation Defense
Silmara Grivol Machado de Souza
Program: Professional Master's Degree in Astronomy Teaching
Title: "The Use of Comics in Teaching Astronomy with an Emphasis on Astrobiology: A Teaching Sequence for Sixth Grade Elementary School"
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Amâncio César Santos Friaça - IAG/USP
Judging Committee:
- Prof. Dr. Amâncio César Santos Friaça – Presidente e Orientador – IAG/USP
- Prof. Dr. Ramachrisna Teixeira - IAG/USP
- Profa. Dra. Vera Jatenco Silva Pereira – IAG/USP
- Prof. Dr. Carlos Alexandre Wuensche de Souza – INPE (por videoconferência)
Alternate Members:
- Profa. Dra. Elysandra Figueredo Cypriano - IAG/USP
- Prof. Dr. Eder Cassola Molina - IAG/USP
- Profa. Dra. Jane Cristina Gregório Hetem – IAG/USP
- Profa. Dra. Laura Paulucci Marinho – UFABC
Abstract: We developed an experimental astronomy workshop for sixth-grade students, aiming to establish basic astronomy concepts using image-based science teaching. The objective was to evaluate the application of a teaching sequence. They began their astronomy studies with computerized teaching tools, such as astronomy simulators. After introducing the concepts introduced in the digital activities, they produced essays on the characteristics of the Moon and Mars. Through their essays, they learned the principles of scientific research in a playful and interactive way, always applying the basic rules of rigor, accuracy, and objectivity of science. This enabled the students to create a sticker album, called "Interplanetary Championship of the Solar System," with a deeper understanding of complex topics and expanding their scientific knowledge. Upon completing the interplanetary album, they finalized the creation of the book "Space Comics," a collection of all the class's stories. The main objective is to research and create a comic book for the class, so that they can encourage reading and writing about Astronomy, with an emphasis on Astrobiology.
Keywords: astrobiology, astronomy teaching, comics, teaching sequence, teaching workshop, Solar System, transdisciplinarity