Particle Physics in High School Part I: Quantum Electrodynamics

Abstract

This is the first paper of a series aiming to present a new teaching sequence for Particle Physics in high school. We propose a systematic discussion of the subject, covering not only the understanding of its key concepts, but also of the very nature of Science, of the factors that surround its practice and of its relations to technology, society and the environment, in a framework towards scientific literacy. In this work we present the first part of this teaching sequence, focused on the quantum theory of electromagnetism: Quantum Electrodynamics. We analyze the potentialities of the material proposed here, when applied in a dialogic manner by the teacher, by evaluating the presence of scientific literacy and engagement indicators throughout interventions at a full-time public school in Espirito Santo, Brazil.