Exploring intermolecular interactions: a praxeological analysis in natural science textbooks

Abstract

The approach to intermolecular interactions in textbooks is crucial for students' education, as it directly influences the understanding of the fundamental principles of the discipline. It is essential for comprehending various chemical phenomena, including properties of substances and biological and industrial processes. This study aimed to investigate the organization of content related to "Intermolecular Interactions" in textbooks of Natural Sciences and their Technologies, which were submitted to the National Program of Textbooks and Teaching Materials (PNLD) in 2021. The research adopted Chevallard's praxeology as a theoretical framework to analyze how these concepts are presented in educational materials. A qualitative, documentary, applied, and exploratory research was conducted to understand the characteristics of the content. The praxeological analysis highlighted the importance of balancing types of tasks, techniques, technologies, and theories, emphasizing the significance of an explicit technique for student guidance. The identified gaps suggest the need to develop complementary teaching materials, regardless of the textbook adopted by the school.