The paths from Arandu to Kimistari: ethnic-racial relations in chemistry education

Abstract

This work was developed within the scope of the Chemistry subproject of the Institutional Program for Teaching Initiation Scholarships (PIBID) with the aim of assisting basic education students in understanding science through a historical-cultural perspective, highlighting the individuality of diverse peoples in the production of methods and products involving chemistry. The justification for the interest in the theme lies in the multicultural diversity of our country; thus, it is necessary for this diversity to be addressed in the school environment, also presenting that the knowledge constructed in Sciences and Technologies is not solely constituted by European cultures. In the activities, we sought to explore aspects of indigenous and Egyptian cultures and the history of black individuals in science. The didactic strategy used in the project's intervention was thematic workshops, considering that they present themselves as a dynamic teaching approach capable of promoting discussions about the history of chemistry and addressing chemical content using both theory and practice. Three workshops were held, titled respectively: “Who produces science?”, “What’s up, beauty?” and “Arrow in chemistry!”, which disagreed about the diversity that exists in Brazil and how this diversity is related to chemistry. The project was implemented at the State College Governor Luís Viana Filho in Feira de Santana - Bahia, in different high school classes. The experience at the school with Thematic Workshops provided several benefits to all involved in the project, students, supervision, coordination, and those beginning in teaching. Thus, validating the work developed through PIBID, which brought development to society and the academic community.