Backdraft: um fenômeno explosivo do incêndio como ferramenta para o ensino de química

Abstract

Phenomena related to combustion are part of everyday life and involve fundamental chemical processes; however, in the school context, they are often addressed in an excessively theoretical and poorly contextualized manner. This dissertation aimed to develop and analyze an educational video focused on the backdraft phenomenon—a sudden explosion caused by the reintroduction of oxygen into confined environments—as an educational resource for teaching Chemistry to third-year high school students. The study was based on the observation that contents such as combustion, thermochemistry, and stoichiometry, although essential for understanding natural and technological processes, present learning difficulties when disconnected from real-life situations. In this context, an educational video was developed to articulate theory and practice through accessible and scientifically rigorous language, making visible phenomena that are difficult to experiment with in the classroom. The video “Backdraft: Fire and Chemistry in Action” integrated real scenes of the phenomenon, explanatory animations, and didactic narration, promoting the understanding of complex chemical processes and interdisciplinary dialogue between Chemistry, Physics, and Public Safety. The application of the video, the educational product of this dissertation, showed that the intentional use of audiovisual resources enhances learning when associated with active pedagogical mediation and reflective practices. Classroom discussions indicated greater engagement, curiosity, and the ability to relate content to everyday situations, revealing the potential of the resource for scientific literacy and civic education. It is concluded, based on questionnaires applied to students and teachers, that the inclusion of contextualized audiovisual resources, theoretically grounded and guided by pedagogical intentionality, contributes to a more critical and interdisciplinary Chemistry teaching.