Teaching Physics in the first years of Elementary School to children with ADHD

TL;DR

This paper describes a science activity designed to teach physics concepts to elementary school children with ADHD, aiming to improve scientific literacy and executive functioning through engaging experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel educational approach combining physics teaching with executive function stimulation tailored for children with ADHD.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of energy conservation among participants

Improved planning and time management skills observed

Positive engagement in science activities by children with ADHD

Abstract

In this paper we report on a Science Fair activity developed at Colegio Pedro II, a traditional Brazilian school, with a group of eight 8-12 years old Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) students. ADHD is usually a condition associated with underachievement at school. As part of working toward scientific literacy for students, we explored the idea of conservation of energy based on STS paradigm. At the same time, the learning experience was designed to stimulate children's poor executive function, or, more specifically, their ability to manage time and planning future tasks.