Particle Physics in High School Part I: Quantum Electrodynamics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new high school teaching sequence on Particle Physics, specifically Quantum Electrodynamics, aiming to enhance scientific literacy and engagement through a systematic, dialogic approach.

Contribution

It presents a novel teaching framework for Particle Physics in high school, integrating scientific literacy, societal context, and engagement strategies centered on Quantum Electrodynamics.

Findings

Increased scientific literacy indicators observed.

Enhanced student engagement through dialogic teaching.

Potential for broader application in science education.

Abstract

This is the first paper of a series aiming to present a new teaching sequence for Particle Physics in high school. We propose a systematic discussion of the subject, covering not only the understanding of its key concepts, but also of the very nature of Science, of the factors that surround its practice and of its relations to technology, society and the environment, in a framework towards scientific literacy. In this work we present the first part of this teaching sequence, focused on the quantum theory of electromagnetism: Quantum Electrodynamics. We analyze the potentialities of the material proposed here, when applied in a dialogic manner by the teacher, by evaluating the presence of scientific literacy and engagement indicators throughout interventions at a full-time public school in Espirito Santo, Brazil.