Science and research in the view of eighth grade students of middle school

Abstract

The realization of investigative activities in school contributes decisively for students to develop a more accurate understanding of the most varied themes. Based on this premise, the present research was carried out with eighth-grade students of a private school in Cachoeirinha/RS during the year 2020, involving the application of a pre-activities questionnaire, the annotation of observations in a logbook, research activities performed by students and a post-activities questionnaire. The fact of integrating quantitative data, analyzed with Inferential Statistics, and qualitative data, examined with Content Analysis, configures the investigative process as a Mixed Methods Research. During the activities it was possible to verify that the students had a moderate previous understanding in relation to science and school research, as well as it was observed an improvement in the ability to carry out research, with the students expanding their understanding of the subjects studied, besides realizing the importance of using reliable sources when consulting the internet.