Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: a literature review around the contributions and challenges in Physics Education

Abstract

Nanotechnology was recognized as an area in science less than a century ago. The research and technological advances in this area, however, have been great, representing, today, one of the major themes of interest in the world and contributing, significantly, to scientific progress in various areas of knowledge. In this context, it is important to develop a wide sight on the main foci brought by scientific papers that shed some light on the theme: the teaching of “Nanoscience and Nanotechnology” in Brazil. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to conduct a literature review, analyzing the main contributions and challenges regarding to the theme “Nanoscience and Nanotechnology” in Physics education. To this end, we analyzed works published between 2008 and 2017 in the three most important national events in the area of Physics education, namely: the National Symposium of Physics Education (SNEF), Meeting on Physics Education Research (EPEF), National Meeting on Research and Science Education (ENPEC). The analysis of these articles shows a scenario in development, but still inadequate regarding to the teaching of the topic at both the basic and the superior levels. The articles point mainly to the curricula being outdated, a lack of support for teachers, and a lack of quality teaching materials that touch on the social, ethical, political and economic issues inherent to the theme. In the last few years, however, this scenario has started to change. More and more research and materials are being developed, making the approach to the theme in the classroom more effective and accessible for the teachers.