LOW-COST ALTERNATIVE LABORATORIES IN THE TEACHING OF OPTICS AND MODERN PHYSICS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW FOCUSED ON COST, REPLICABILITY, AND INCLUSION (2015–2025)

Abstract

This study conducted a systematic literature review on low-cost alternative laboratories applied to the teaching of Optics and Modern Physics in Brazil from 2015 to 2025. The methodological design followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with explicit eligibility criteria, independent double screening, and a structured data extraction matrix organized into five analytical axes: thematic area, cost range, use of digital devices, evidence of learning, replicability, and inclusion. A total of 306 records were identified in Google Scholar and SciELO databases, from which 37 studies composed the final corpus. The results indicate a predominance of Optics-related proposals (62.2%), cost variation ranging from under R$20 to over R$300, digital resource use in 48.6% of studies, and low incidence of explicit inclusive adaptations (5.4%). The findings reveal implementation patterns, pedagogical validation criteria, and structural gaps concerning cost standardization and experimental accessibility.