A influência do contexto aditivos alimentares na aprendizagem de funções inorgânicas

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of a contextualized approach about food additives in the learning of inorganic functions, and students’ attitudes regarding this subject. A total of 44 Year 10 students from a private school took part in this research. The methodology involved steps of subject’s sensibilization; arousement of students’ conceptions through questionnaires, and food habit records, before and after intervention; researches; reading of texts and labels; group discussions; among others. Aspects such as additives concept and classification, inorganic functions, as well as legislation regarding the use of additives were approached. The results showed a better understanding by students concerning food additives and inorganic functions, beyond signs of attitudes’ changes with regard to: more preoccupation with the quality of the food eaten; more awareness of the need of eating healthier food; more criteria in eating food containing additives and a better body care. These results suggest that the methodology linking students’ life with class’ subject may contribute to the development of student’s point of view not only in the choice and quality of the food consumed, with the aim of eating healthier food as well as taking more conscientious and responsible decisions to change their own attitudes in order to improve quality of life