BUILDING KNOWLEDGE THROUGH EXPERIMENTAL PRACTICE

Abstract

The project “The Construction of Knowledge through Experimental Practice”, developed at ECIT Nenzinha Cunha Lima, aimed to integrate theory and practice in science education, promoting more meaningful learning. The activities included experiments such as the construction of pinhole cameras, tests on density, buoyancy, and mixture separation, which allowed students to become protagonists in scientific investigation. Experimental practice proved essential to stimulating curiosity, critical thinking, autonomy, and teamwork, while also connecting school content to students’ daily lives. Despite challenges such as limited resources, the experience highlighted the importance of continuous teacher training, teamwork appreciation, and the articulation between theory and practice. It is concluded that experimentation is a powerful pedagogical tool for knowledge construction, contributing to the formation of critical, creative, and prepared citizens for the challenges of the 21st century.