UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES OF PERFUMES: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY DIDACTIC SEQUENCE THAT PROMOTES KNOWLEDGE IN THE TEACHING OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY

Abstract

Perfumes, from the French Parfums, can be understood as complex chemical mixtures recognized as agents capable of promoting emotional states, causing specific sensory sensations in our body. Perfumes are composed of a wide diversity of molecules and chemical components, such as aldehydes, esters and aromatic alcohols, being extracted in nature from flowers, fruits, resins and even manufactured in the laboratory using synthetic components, being of long standing inserted into our everyday lives. This study proposes an educational approach structured in five moments, aiming to make the teaching and learning of Biology and Chemistry more captivating, enjoyable and didactic for high school students. The first moment consists of an introduction to the topic through the viewing and discussion of a video on YouTube about the history of perfume. The second stage is a proposal for an expository and interactive class on the biological mechanisms behind the sense of smell in the human body. In the third moment, with the teacher's mediation, students will participate in an experimental activity on the sensorial analysis of essential oils extracted from natural products. This activity aims to deepen students' knowledge about the plant species associated with these oils, as well as the predominant molecules responsible for their distinct aromas. In the fourth stage, students will be invited to an experimental class, with the making of a perfume, covering topics of Chemistry and molecules. The last stage of the didactic sequence consists of evaluation, which will include the preparation of a report. By carrying out the aforementioned activity, we expect positive results in terms of the guiding process of teaching and learning. Because, by involving students in discussions, sensory analyzes and practical activities, it is expected not only to make teaching more enjoyable, but also to promote interdisciplinarity and a broader understanding of the science behind perfumes, transforming them from simple products into sources of knowledge and appreciation.