THE DISCOVERY OF THE ELECTRICAL NATURE OF LIGHTNING: A HISTORICAL-INVESTIGATIVE APPROACH
nature of science; lightning in storms; history of electricity; investigative teaching; Benjamin Franklin.
This work presents a didactic sequence built from the use of a historical case study in the investigative modality. The historical episode was the discovery of the electrical nature of lightning, carried out by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. The intention of the proposal is to encourage the discussion of aspects inherent to the nature of science and thus contribute to students building a less distorted view of
scientific work. The use of investigative narrations allows the student to be placed in a simulation of scientific production faithful to reality and, with this, be able to reflect and internalize the aspects inherent to the scientist's practice. In addition, the sequence aims to introduce the concepts of electrical charge and electrical discharge under the context of the theme of lightning in storms and the functionality of lightning rods. The proposal also has experimental, practical and demonstrative activities, which seek to help students visualize and understand the phenomena, as well arouse interest in the subject addressed. The sequence in question was applied in two classes of the ninth grade of elementary school in a private school in the Federal District and obtained satisfactory results.