A pod hygrometer and physics in primary school education

Abstract

The construction is described of an instrument designed to measure the humidity of the air, based on the properties of the pod of the sombreiro (Clitoria fairchildiana). This easy-to-construct hygrometer was developed with a third year primary school class with the aim of being produced by students new to the study of the physical and biological sciences. As an integral part of a project on water, the construction of the instrument was preceded by studies on evaporation and demonstrated the advantageous possibility of building the basic concepts of biology and physics in an integrated manner. Further experiments, not yet carried out with the hygrometer, are also suggested. The main aim of this work was not the hygrometer itself, but rather, to illustrate how it is possible to explore the many possibilities of a simple experiment in a manner that is integrated with the broader context of teaching through projects. The information was obtained through the direct observation of the teachers involved and the students written records.