Incorporação da realidade aumentada e realidade virtual no show de química da Usina Ciência da UFAL

Abstract

The study investigates the incorporation of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)in the Chemistry Show at the Usina Ciência of the Federal University of Alagoas (Ufal),highlighting how these technologies can enrich Chemical Education (CE) through immersive and interactive practices. With a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes the impact ofthese tools on learning and engagement among participants, including students from both publicand private schools. The methodological process was structured in stages, including the initial analysis of the Chemistry Show, the selection of technological resources, the training of monitors, the implementation of Digital Technologies (DT) in experiments, and the application of these technologies in the pilot Chemistry Show at Usina Ciência with the necessary adjustments. With the assistance of monitors, the shows expanded to itinerant events, and municipalities such as Arapiraca, Santana do Ipanema, Maceió, and Delmiro Gouveia were included. This initiative allowed students and teachers from different educational levels to experience innovative practices integrating technologies. The case study approach was chosenas the central strategy, enabling a detailed analysis of the practices in the real context of theChemistry Show, focusing on participant interactions and the results of technologicalinterventions. Among the experiments carried out, the formation of the water molecule andcombustion reactions simulated in AR, as well as an immersive experience about the solarsystem in VR, were highlighted, aiming to understand the emergence of the elements addressedin the show. The research culminated in the redesign of the educational booklet used in theChemistry Show, which now incorporates detailed instructions about the experimentsperformed, guidelines for using DT, and QR codes for downloading AR and VR applications.This update aims to enable the replication of practices in different educational contexts,promoting the incorporation of innovative technologies as support for CE. Studies indicate thatintegrating AR and VR with practical demonstrations can enhance the understanding of abstractconcepts, improve participant engagement, and make learning more engaging. The process of incorporating AR and VR and redesigning the booklet led to the conclusion that there is a need for continuous training to keep up with technological advancements and implement them in education, as well as a need for scientific popularization and innovation in education.