HOMEMADE SOAP PRODUCTION AS A DIDACTIC-PEDAGOGICAL STRATEGY FOR TEACHING CHEMICAL REACTIONS TO 3RD-YEAR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT CÂNDIDO MENDES SCHOOL, BREJO, MARANHÃO

Abstract

For most students, chemistry is considered a complex subject, primarily because they struggle to relate it to everyday situations. In this context, the present study aimed to facilitate the teaching of chemical reactions by demonstrating a process commonly found in the students' daily lives. The research involved 34 third-year high school students from the *Centro de Ensino Cândido Mendes* state school in Brejo, Maranhão. It was an exploratory qualitative study. Data collection involved a questionnaire designed to identify the students' prior knowledge and difficulties regarding the topic. Subsequently, educational material covering key concepts of chemical reactions was provided; this was followed by a workshop on making homemade soap from used cooking oil, serving as a teaching tool to contextualize and practically demonstrate the content. Thus, the research proved to be an effective strategy for making the teaching of chemical reactions more meaningful and relevant to the students' reality.