TEACHING BY RESEARCH

THE SYNTHESIS OF ETHANOL FROM THE ALCOHOLIC FERMENTATION OF SUCROSE

Abstract

The objective of this work was to present elements related to the theme of ethanol synthesis from the alcoholic fermentation of sucrose, applying teaching through investigation from the perspective of meaningful learning by David P. Ausubel. We used qualitative and descriptive methodology with text analysis in light of content analysis. The Investigative Activities were applied to new high school students enrolled in a public school located in Gama Federal District. For this experience report, one of the applied activities was selected, the results of which were analyzed and discussed. The activity involved the participation of 32 students, in face-to-face classes held over four face-to-face meetings in a post-pandemic context. The activities applied to ethanol synthesis aimed to experimentally investigate the processes involved in alcohol production, using low-cost materials. To do this, we check the students’ prior knowledge, propose an investigation-based teaching sequence, build a simple distiller using low-cost materials and participate in the science circuit of public schools in the Federal District. The work presents relevant evidence on the application of investigative activities, whose approach promotes the articulation between practice and theory, encouraging active learning. The proposed investigative activity stimulated critical thinking and contributed significantly to students’ scientific literacy and literacy.