Metodologias Alternativas no Ensino de Química: O Uso do Software Avogadro para Compreensão de Propriedades Químicas no Ensino Superior

Resumo

Computational chemistry for educational purposes combined with meaningful learning can contribute
to students during the teaching and learning process, helping them with spatial visualization and the
development of abstract and critical thinking. This study developed and applied a set of educational
activities with the Avogadro program, addressing the contents of molecular structure, molecular geometry,
stoichiometry, dipole moment, and polarity, in addition to evaluating the effectiveness of using this tool
during the activities. Two classes were held for undergraduate chemistry students, with five activities that
addressed various contents that are discussed in the topics worked on. Forms were applied before and
after the practices. The students participating in the research, after carrying out the activities, reported that
they would like to use computational tools in teaching activities. In addition, through the questionnaires,
it was possible to perceive that the use of the Avogadro program allowed many students to overcome
their difficulties in the topics covered. Thus, it can be concluded that meaningful learning combined with
computational chemistry, aided using the Avogadro program, can generate a deeper knowledge of chemical
concepts, facilitating the construction of relationships between theory and practice and promoting more
active student engagement during classes.