Laboratório virtual na EJA: a utilização do simulador Phet no ensino de circuitos elétricos para uma aprendizagem significativa

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the applicability of the Phet Colorado simulator in teaching electric circuits in Youth and Adult Education (EJA) for meaningful learning. The rationale is based on the inherent difficulties of experimental Physics teaching in this educational context, such as reduced class hours, limited resources, and the abstract nature of electrodynamics content. The central hypothesis is that the use of Phet can minimize these barriers, as well as foster the connection between theory and practice, contributing to meaningful learning. This research consists of a qualitative and exploratory bibliographic review, as it analyzes published works that correlate aspects of this educational modality, Physics teaching, and the use of simulations as an experimental practice. The results indicate that the integration of simulations on electricity content improves student performance, contributing to meaningful learning by allowing possible anchoring of the content and, especially, the empirical practice of students with experimental processes in Phet. As a suggestion for an educational product, a didactic sequence composed of six experimental lesson plans using Phet was developed, focused on electrodynamics concepts and the construction of electric circuits, along with a digital booklet to disseminate the results obtained in this research. It is concluded, therefore, that Phet is an effective tool for teaching electric circuits in EJA, enabling teachers to assist students in establishing connections between the content seen in the simulations and their own everyday practices. Thus, this study reinforces the contributions of this simulator, as well as suggests its application for this educational modality.