Implementation of investigative activities in the science discipline in a public school: a didactic experience

This article presents the results of a study on the use of an investigative activity on the content of photosynthesis and respiration in a class in the sixth year of primary education in the discipline of Sciences, in a public school in the city of Londrina, Brazil. The school where the research was conducted, using more traditional methods of teaching, so it was the first time that students had contact with investigative activities. The study pointed out some students' difficulties in understanding the proposal, such as the development of hypotheses and also showed resistance when they were given to situations where they needed to think about a particular problem. We realized clearly that they depend on the book to give their responses, thus showing a certain lack of autonomy both in their actions and in their thoughts. On the other hand, had good participation in discussions and were engaged throughout the activity. Thus, despite the difficulties encountered by students, we consider both possible and necessary the use of investigative activities in schools by encouraging, and the development of skills, also the ability to reason and giving students more rigorous ways of thinking, critical and creative.