Cônicas: Tópicos especiais para o Ensino Médio

Abstract

The conic sections and many of their characteristics are among the most important topics of Analytical Geometry. However, these contents have been neglected byMathematics teachers. When these topics are presented in the classroom, they are usually dealing with questions that involve only substituting letters with numbers, affecting student learning. It is extremely important to emphasize a historical approach to the conics, their meaning and their main properties, as these geometric figures were important for the development of many technologies. The Reflective Property of these figures, for example, was indispensable for the development of parabolic antennas, mirrored telescopes, radio telescopes, among other applications. Elliptical curves have been used in Astronomy to describe planets and other celestial bodies around the Sun. Teaching some methods of constructing these figures also helps greatly in the development of a more productive teaching as the student becomes more participatory during class. In addition, rare theorems of the conics and some applications should be presented, thus encouraging the student to solve more challenging problems. A change in the way this content is taught is essential. Creative teaching methods contribute to a better performance of classes, as they greatly help the interaction between students and teachers, generating better results in relation to meaningful learning.