Mathematical modeling and leishmaniasis: possibility of relationship between biology and mathematics

Abstract

In this article do the description of the data resulting from a survey developed by  means of pedagogical practice involving the use of mathematical modeling and  the  leishmaniasis theme,  as proposal to teaching and learning. The research was of qualitative approach to a case study. Was developed in the class of 2nd year of high school. As instruments for data collection were used the teacher's field diary, classroom video recordings, audio and questionnaires given to students. For data analysis, we used the discursive textual approach. The activities were conducted in groups, involving the issue of occurrence of Leishmaniasis in Rubim-MG, which was studied by means of the methodology Mathematical Modeling relating Biology and Mathematics. The results show that the use of Mathematical Modelling in the teaching and learning about leishmaniasis in high school allows for the establishment of a relevant relationship between biology and mathematics, which has important implications, such as: to relate the topic to the everyday student; making use of mathematical knowledge, among others.