Mathematical modeling in high school: possibility of learning via water bills

• Autor(a) principal: Rehfeldt, Márcia Jussara Hepp
• Data de Publicação: 2018
• Outros Autores: Neide, Italo Gabriel, Böckel, Wolmir José, Broilo, Ana Paula, Pisching, Isabel, Heinen, Camila Aparecida, König, Rosilene Inês
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Revista de Ensino de Ciências e Matemática - REnCiMa
• Texto Completo: https://revistapos.cruzeirodosul.edu.br/rencima/article/view/1283
• topic: Ensino Médio Politécnico; Modelagem Matemática; Custo de água; Polytechnic High School; Mathematical Modeling; Cost of water

The present work aims to report the results of a Mathematical Modeling practice  developed in 2016, with students of the 2nd year of a public Polytechnic School located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The studies covered an investigation about the costs of water consumption afforded by the local municipality and then compared to the charges of another company, in order to propose criteria of choice between the two water supply companies. The work was developed by a group of research professors with 2nd year students and the class was organized in groups. The results show that, initially, the students presented difficulties in obtaining a mathematical model that represented the relation between consumption and the value paid for water. However, through the intervention of the professors, the students, in a collaborative way, obtained satisfactory results in terms of mathematical models representation. The professors acted as mediators, in order to objectify that the students were the protagonists. After the practice, it was noticed that the students developed interest, curiosity and valorization of Mathematics. In addition, it was observed that Mathematical Modeling enabled students to think critically and creatively, favoring their autonomy and independence.