Satellite images of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean were used in order to interpret the tectono-s... more Satellite images of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean were used in order to interpret the tectono-structural setting of the area between the Charles Gibbs fracture zone and the Canary Islands parallel, based on geometric and kinematic analysis of structural lineaments. The structural interpretation allows to conclude that: 1) the tectonic regime along the southwestern iberian-northwestern african borders where strongly controlled by left-lateral NNE-SSW structural lineaments; the associated development of sigmoidal deformation allows the magma injection, and the implantation of volcanic islands and seamounts; 2) on the SW sector of Eurasian Plate, particularly on the Azores region, the original development of the transformant faults is strongly interrupted and emphasized by the interposition of NE-SW left-lateral strike-slip faults; moreover the implantation and morphology of the volcanic buildings (islands and seamounts) are strongly controlled by that particularly structures; 3) alo...
Several Mesozoic limestone elevations of E-W elongated shape rise up in the central region of the... more Several Mesozoic limestone elevations of E-W elongated shape rise up in the central region of the Algarve Barrocal (Portuguese southwestern margin). Tectonic geomorphology suggests that these reliefs correspond to right lateral strike-slip contractional duplexes of a large, NW-SE trending, shear zone, with a pronounced topographic expression, whose southern boundary, located southeast of the Serra de Monchique hill, is defined by the São Marcos–Quarteira Fault Zone.
Soil is the basis of all terrestrial life and it is important to characterize them as best as pos... more Soil is the basis of all terrestrial life and it is important to characterize them as best as possible in order to contribute to a better use and sustainable management. The main goal of this study is to charatherize the soil in the area surrounding the city of Coimbra about is magnetic properties and geochemistry. We analyzed 206 soil samples. The following magnetic parameters were determined: mass specific magnetic susceptibility (c), natural remanent magnetization (NRM), isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and the S-ratios; for the samples collected in the profiles soil the following parameters were determined: organic matter, pH, K2O, K+, Ca +, Na +, Mg+. A selected set of samples was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for the following toxic metals Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Ni. We studied the relationship between the parameters analyzed and identified the main sources of contamination.
Preliminary studies of Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) were carried out in the Castel... more Preliminary studies of Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) were carried out in the Castelo Branco granite.
The magnetic susceptibility values characterize the difference between central facies and peripheric facies and are
due to the abundance of biotite and other ferromagnesian minerals such as cordierite in the peripheric facies. The high
magnetic anisotropy in the peripheric facies suggests a higher magma stretching in the border of the pluton. The
NNW-SSE magnetic foliations are parallel to the regional structures,which point out the role of the last ductile
Variscan deformation phase in the emplacement of this pluton. These magnetic foliations were developed in a
magmatic to submagmatic state as shown by the microstructures and the magnetic anisotropy values.
The Silves Group was formed at the end of the Triasic and the beginning of Jurassic and it is for... more The Silves Group was formed at the end of the Triasic and the beginning of Jurassic and it is formed by three formations: the Conraria Formation (the oldest one), the Castelo Viegas Formation (the middle one), and the Pereiros Formation (the most recent one). The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) is a method of analysis which combines the contribution of the fabrics of all the minerals in the rock. It is controlled by the preferential cristalographical orientation and distribution of the minerals associated with the mineralogical composition of the rock and the shape of the fabric of each grain. The aims of this study are to compare the AMS values of Conraria and Castelo Viegas Formations, in order to determine the type of minerals that constitute the rock (diamagnetic, paramagnetic or ferromagnetic sensu lato – s.l.) and to determine and compare, together with field data, the direction of the paleocurrents in the rocks of these formations, based on the study of the magnetic lineation.
Paleomagnetic results of Grés de Silves sections are presented: four sites are from Conraria Form... more Paleomagnetic results of Grés de Silves sections are presented: four sites are from Conraria Formation sections (Santa Cristina, Conraria and Quinta da Conraria) near Coimbra and the other two are from the Algarve sections (Budens and Vale de Boi). The Upper Triassic characteristic component from the Conraria Formation always shows reversed polarity directions and the on from the Algarve sites presents normal polarity directions. A magnetostratigrafic of the data is also presented.
This study intended to analyze the structure and the content of the practical activities as well ... more This study intended to analyze the structure and the content of the practical activities as well as to assess the adequacy of the practical activities proposed in the textbooks of Geology for the 11th grade in what concerns the teaching unit anthropogenic occupation and planning issues. In this unit, 68.4% of the practical activities were categorized as Adequate and the sum of the percentages of Very Adequate and Adequate was 86.4%.
The National Curriculum of Basic Education as well as the Curricular Guidelines for Physical and ... more The National Curriculum of Basic Education as well as the Curricular Guidelines for Physical and Natural Sciences for the third cycle show educational perspectives for sustainable management. This study intended to analyze whether the schoolbooks selected include practical activities according to the Physical and Natural Sciences Curricular Guidelines that intend to promote an education for sustainability. The sub-topic “sustainable management of resources”, in five 8th Grade schoolbooks, was analyzed. The analysis of the data led to the conclusion that there is a great diversity, mainly in what concerns the number of practical activities suggested in each book, and they do not follow the activities suggested by the Curricular Guidelines.
This study presents conceptions that participants, five
Biology-Geology teachers, present on teac... more This study presents conceptions that participants, five Biology-Geology teachers, present on teaching the concept of Paleomagnetism in secondary education in general and, particularly, in the 12th year Geology. To develop the study was made a semistructured interview and applied a content analysis methodology. It can be stated that teachers consider important the teaching of Paleomagnetism, as well as recognize the importance of informational content about the History of science and the proposal of practical activities for understanding this content. Absences expose a lack of articulation with the curricular guidelines for 12th year Geology.
In this work, authors present the results of an evaluation
process of a set of learning resources... more In this work, authors present the results of an evaluation process of a set of learning resources developed for the Geology subject for the 12th year schooling. For this purpose a methodology for gathering data was used, which involved the construction and application of an individual questionnaire and a semistructured interview. All the teaching resources evaluated can be considered relevant, feasible and useful, and can be seen as a complement to course books available in the market.
Textbooks should promote the development of problem
solving, critical and creative thinking skill... more Textbooks should promote the development of problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plan search on sciences. One of the important strategies, in the teaching of Natural Sciences, is the questions formulation technique. The aim of the study was to evaluate the questions, considering the cognitive level and the location, in the theme Earth Transformation, included in four editions of the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks from 2012 and the previous four textbooks, two from 2006, one 2007 and one 2011. Eight textbooks from five publishers were selected and a document and content analysis was performed. In order to assess the questions, the subthemes Internal structure of the Earth, The Earth's internal dynamics and Consequences of the internal dynamics of the Earth were analysed. In the 2012 textbooks, there was an increased in the high cognitive level questions, however the majority, in all textbooks were of low cognitive level.
A field trip is an activity that takes place in natural
environment, outside the classroom. Howev... more A field trip is an activity that takes place in natural environment, outside the classroom. However, teachers have some difficulties in carrying out field trip. To overcome these difficulties, we planned and constructed resources for a virtual field trip in Lousã Mountain. This study aims to validate these teaching materials. The results indicate that teaching materials are adequate for the age of students and have scientific and didactic quality.
In this study we present a tectono-structural model of the Southern Iberian Margin. The model res... more In this study we present a tectono-structural model of the Southern Iberian Margin. The model results from the interpretation of the most notable lineaments as inferred from satellite images. Our main conclusions are the outcome of the morphological relationship between the Iberian and Northern African crustal blocks: The interception of NNE-SSW left-lateral shear lineaments with Atlantic transform faults results on volcanic constructs and block uplifts. The proposed kinematical model permits a better understanding of earthquake epicenter locations, structural organization and volcanic constructs. Also, this analysis allows for a larger-scale interpretation, including a better interpretation of the Iberian geological lineaments.
Satellite images of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean were used in order to interpret the tectono-s... more Satellite images of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean were used in order to interpret the tectono-structural setting of the area between the Charles Gibbs fracture zone and the Canary Islands parallel, based on geometric and kinematic analysis of structural lineaments. The structural interpretation allows to conclude that: 1) the tectonic regime along the southwestern iberian-northwestern african borders where strongly controlled by left-lateral NNE-SSW structural lineaments; the associated development of sigmoidal deformation allows the magma injection, and the implantation of volcanic islands and seamounts; 2) on the SW sector of Eurasian Plate, particularly on the Azores region, the original development of the transformant faults is strongly interrupted and emphasized by the interposition of NE-SW left-lateral strike-slip faults; moreover the implantation and morphology of the volcanic buildings (islands and seamounts) are strongly controlled by that particularly structures; 3) alo...
Several Mesozoic limestone elevations of E-W elongated shape rise up in the central region of the... more Several Mesozoic limestone elevations of E-W elongated shape rise up in the central region of the Algarve Barrocal (Portuguese southwestern margin). Tectonic geomorphology suggests that these reliefs correspond to right lateral strike-slip contractional duplexes of a large, NW-SE trending, shear zone, with a pronounced topographic expression, whose southern boundary, located southeast of the Serra de Monchique hill, is defined by the São Marcos–Quarteira Fault Zone.
Soil is the basis of all terrestrial life and it is important to characterize them as best as pos... more Soil is the basis of all terrestrial life and it is important to characterize them as best as possible in order to contribute to a better use and sustainable management. The main goal of this study is to charatherize the soil in the area surrounding the city of Coimbra about is magnetic properties and geochemistry. We analyzed 206 soil samples. The following magnetic parameters were determined: mass specific magnetic susceptibility (c), natural remanent magnetization (NRM), isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and the S-ratios; for the samples collected in the profiles soil the following parameters were determined: organic matter, pH, K2O, K+, Ca +, Na +, Mg+. A selected set of samples was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for the following toxic metals Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Ni. We studied the relationship between the parameters analyzed and identified the main sources of contamination.
Preliminary studies of Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) were carried out in the Castel... more Preliminary studies of Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) were carried out in the Castelo Branco granite.
The magnetic susceptibility values characterize the difference between central facies and peripheric facies and are
due to the abundance of biotite and other ferromagnesian minerals such as cordierite in the peripheric facies. The high
magnetic anisotropy in the peripheric facies suggests a higher magma stretching in the border of the pluton. The
NNW-SSE magnetic foliations are parallel to the regional structures,which point out the role of the last ductile
Variscan deformation phase in the emplacement of this pluton. These magnetic foliations were developed in a
magmatic to submagmatic state as shown by the microstructures and the magnetic anisotropy values.
The Silves Group was formed at the end of the Triasic and the beginning of Jurassic and it is for... more The Silves Group was formed at the end of the Triasic and the beginning of Jurassic and it is formed by three formations: the Conraria Formation (the oldest one), the Castelo Viegas Formation (the middle one), and the Pereiros Formation (the most recent one). The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) is a method of analysis which combines the contribution of the fabrics of all the minerals in the rock. It is controlled by the preferential cristalographical orientation and distribution of the minerals associated with the mineralogical composition of the rock and the shape of the fabric of each grain. The aims of this study are to compare the AMS values of Conraria and Castelo Viegas Formations, in order to determine the type of minerals that constitute the rock (diamagnetic, paramagnetic or ferromagnetic sensu lato – s.l.) and to determine and compare, together with field data, the direction of the paleocurrents in the rocks of these formations, based on the study of the magnetic lineation.
Paleomagnetic results of Grés de Silves sections are presented: four sites are from Conraria Form... more Paleomagnetic results of Grés de Silves sections are presented: four sites are from Conraria Formation sections (Santa Cristina, Conraria and Quinta da Conraria) near Coimbra and the other two are from the Algarve sections (Budens and Vale de Boi). The Upper Triassic characteristic component from the Conraria Formation always shows reversed polarity directions and the on from the Algarve sites presents normal polarity directions. A magnetostratigrafic of the data is also presented.
This study intended to analyze the structure and the content of the practical activities as well ... more This study intended to analyze the structure and the content of the practical activities as well as to assess the adequacy of the practical activities proposed in the textbooks of Geology for the 11th grade in what concerns the teaching unit anthropogenic occupation and planning issues. In this unit, 68.4% of the practical activities were categorized as Adequate and the sum of the percentages of Very Adequate and Adequate was 86.4%.
The National Curriculum of Basic Education as well as the Curricular Guidelines for Physical and ... more The National Curriculum of Basic Education as well as the Curricular Guidelines for Physical and Natural Sciences for the third cycle show educational perspectives for sustainable management. This study intended to analyze whether the schoolbooks selected include practical activities according to the Physical and Natural Sciences Curricular Guidelines that intend to promote an education for sustainability. The sub-topic “sustainable management of resources”, in five 8th Grade schoolbooks, was analyzed. The analysis of the data led to the conclusion that there is a great diversity, mainly in what concerns the number of practical activities suggested in each book, and they do not follow the activities suggested by the Curricular Guidelines.
This study presents conceptions that participants, five
Biology-Geology teachers, present on teac... more This study presents conceptions that participants, five Biology-Geology teachers, present on teaching the concept of Paleomagnetism in secondary education in general and, particularly, in the 12th year Geology. To develop the study was made a semistructured interview and applied a content analysis methodology. It can be stated that teachers consider important the teaching of Paleomagnetism, as well as recognize the importance of informational content about the History of science and the proposal of practical activities for understanding this content. Absences expose a lack of articulation with the curricular guidelines for 12th year Geology.
In this work, authors present the results of an evaluation
process of a set of learning resources... more In this work, authors present the results of an evaluation process of a set of learning resources developed for the Geology subject for the 12th year schooling. For this purpose a methodology for gathering data was used, which involved the construction and application of an individual questionnaire and a semistructured interview. All the teaching resources evaluated can be considered relevant, feasible and useful, and can be seen as a complement to course books available in the market.
Textbooks should promote the development of problem
solving, critical and creative thinking skill... more Textbooks should promote the development of problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plan search on sciences. One of the important strategies, in the teaching of Natural Sciences, is the questions formulation technique. The aim of the study was to evaluate the questions, considering the cognitive level and the location, in the theme Earth Transformation, included in four editions of the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks from 2012 and the previous four textbooks, two from 2006, one 2007 and one 2011. Eight textbooks from five publishers were selected and a document and content analysis was performed. In order to assess the questions, the subthemes Internal structure of the Earth, The Earth's internal dynamics and Consequences of the internal dynamics of the Earth were analysed. In the 2012 textbooks, there was an increased in the high cognitive level questions, however the majority, in all textbooks were of low cognitive level.
A field trip is an activity that takes place in natural
environment, outside the classroom. Howev... more A field trip is an activity that takes place in natural environment, outside the classroom. However, teachers have some difficulties in carrying out field trip. To overcome these difficulties, we planned and constructed resources for a virtual field trip in Lousã Mountain. This study aims to validate these teaching materials. The results indicate that teaching materials are adequate for the age of students and have scientific and didactic quality.
In this study we present a tectono-structural model of the Southern Iberian Margin. The model res... more In this study we present a tectono-structural model of the Southern Iberian Margin. The model results from the interpretation of the most notable lineaments as inferred from satellite images. Our main conclusions are the outcome of the morphological relationship between the Iberian and Northern African crustal blocks: The interception of NNE-SSW left-lateral shear lineaments with Atlantic transform faults results on volcanic constructs and block uplifts. The proposed kinematical model permits a better understanding of earthquake epicenter locations, structural organization and volcanic constructs. Also, this analysis allows for a larger-scale interpretation, including a better interpretation of the Iberian geological lineaments.
Slope stability hazards can be a serious problem in steep areas and/or in low shear strength mate... more Slope stability hazards can be a serious problem in steep areas and/or in low shear strength materials. To increase the social awareness towards the problem formal and informal teaching and education actions were directed to several publics. They encompasses lectures in the town hall and professional associations (engineers and architects) open to the general public, field activities included in the Portuguese scientific program “Geology in Summer” to visit slope failure sites, and lectures in high schools, as students are quite sensible to the problem. Didactic materials were prepared to allow a suitable teaching of the subject in the 11th grade in Biology and Geology course. These education and teaching strategies revealed encouraging results.
Project Work (PW) requires student-centered learning and involves the planning, implementation an... more Project Work (PW) requires student-centered learning and involves the planning, implementation and evaluation of a project and, then, the presentation of its results. In this study we intend to reflect on the importance, benefits and constraints of PW methodology in the process of teaching and learning Geosciences. Taking into consideration the studies analyzed, we can conclude that PW is a methodological approach in learning in geosciences, and it can be used to promote scientific literacy and develop important competences in the education of young people as citizens and to contribute to the enhancement of scientific contents.
A Educação depende, entre outras variáveis, da formação dos professores. A planificação, a constr... more A Educação depende, entre outras variáveis, da formação dos professores. A planificação, a construção, a validação e a avaliação de recursos complementares aos manuais escolares são uma prática fundamental para a formação ao longo da vida e imprescindível para uma atualização e para uma educação para todos. Para desenvolver este estudo foram definidos os seguintes objetivos: avaliar e validar os recursos construídos para o ensino do Paleomagnetismo, em Geologia do 12.º ano de escolaridade. Para isso foram formuladas as seguintes questões de investigação: os participantes consideram os recursos pedagógicos construídos adequados aos alunos do 12.º ano de Escolaridade? Qual a pertinência dos recursos construídos, no âmbito deste estudo, como complementos dos manuais escolares? Os recursos estão de acordo com as orientações curriculares para a disciplina e ano em apreço? O estudo envolveu quinze professores e assentou na avaliação de um conjunto de recursos pedagógicos desenvolvidos para a disciplina de Geologia do 12.º ano. Foram usados um questionário e uma entrevista semiestruturada. Os resultados permitiram concluir que os níveis avaliativos “Muito adequado” e “Adequado” foram os que reuniram a maioria das respostas, bem como, se destaca a unanimidade no interesse do uso, pertinência e exequibilidade da globalidade dos recursos desenvolvidos, enquanto complemento aos manuais escolares.
Textbooks should promote the development of problem
solving, critical and creative thinking skill... more Textbooks should promote the development of problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plansearch on science. Some relevant strategies include the development of practical activities in the teaching of Natural Sciences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practical activities included in the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks published in 2012 (4) and in 2006 (2), 2007(1), 2011 (1). Eight textbooks, from five publishers, were selected and a document content analysis was conducted. In this study, the sub-theme Fossils and their importance in reconstructing the Earth history was selected and the analysis was performed according type and the cognitive level of practical activities. The results showed a slight improvement in the number of practical activities with high cognitive level (57%) in the 2012 textbooks, but in all textbooks, the typology of these activities revealed that Field Work, Research and Laboratory activities were less, when compared to the Resolution of Exercises activities.
A indústria extrativa é uma fonte geradora de poluição, quer se desenvolva a céu aberto, quer em ... more A indústria extrativa é uma fonte geradora de poluição, quer se desenvolva a céu aberto, quer em lavra subterrânea. O carácter de “contaminado” por causas de-letérias que pode vir a ser conferido ao ambiente resulta, principalmente, da acumulação de produtos sólidos e de efluentes líquidos que podem vir a causar impactes no ecossistema envolvente. No entanto, estes problemas vão muito para além do período de exploração e, assim, após a sua desativação, torna-se neces-sária a execução de um processo de requalificação ambiental. Portanto, estes lo-cais constituem um excelente “espaço” para trabalho de investigação e de sensibi-lização ambiental, podendo considerar-se pertinente o seu aproveitamento para o desenvolvimento de atividades de exterior, numa tentativa de alertar e contri-buir para a sensibilização dos alunos, no que respeita aos problemas ambientais locais. Neste contexto, o trabalho apresentado consiste numa proposta para uma atividade de exterior no couto Mineiro da Cunha Baixa (Mangualde, Guarda), antiga mina de exploração de urânio. Esta proposta é baseada nos conteúdos curriculares de CN do 8.º ano e pretende envolver os alunos no estudo de uma si-tuação concreta de extração de recursos energéticos, que resultou numa conta-minação ambiental por causas naturais e antrópicas e a sua posterior requalifi-cação. Para o efeito, foi elaborado um Livro guia da aula de campo, seguindo um modelo organizativo proposto. Este trabalho enquadra-se numa perspetiva CTSA, com o desenvolvimento da atividade investigativa para uma conscienciali-zação de valores e atitudes numa Educação para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável.
Palaeomagnetism has been fundamental for the development and foundation of Plate Tectonics Theory... more Palaeomagnetism has been fundamental for the development and foundation of Plate Tectonics Theory (PT). Within this context, Palaeomagnetism is a compulsive content of 12th grade Geology (Amador & Silva, 2004). The curriculum orientation for Geology has been enhancing the usage of strategies based on examples and episodes of the History of Science (HS). For this reason, we consider that its inclusion in textbooks, along with teacher and students, constitute an unique trinomial in what teaching Geology is concerned. The aim of this study, which is part of a broader one, is to evaluate textbooks in what follows: examples of episodes referring to the HS; the importance given to its protagonists; the way this historical data is presented. In order to achieve these goals, we implemented a qualitative analysis of all 12th grade Geology textbooks available (N=3) and selected the item “The first steps for a new theory. Plate Tectonics Theory.” The assessment grid was adapted from the proposal after Leite (2002) and it comprises 2 categories, “Type and organisation of historical data” and “Resources used to present historical data”. All textbooks considered contain several historical references, however in none of them we found the concern to make reference to the sources from which information was taken. One aspect that stands out is the usage of pictorial representations, particularly key characters. After comparing the most recent textbook (2009) with the oldest one (2005) we realised that there is now more predominance of historical episodes. We were also able to check that it is now being given more relevance to individual work to the detriment of that developed by groups of scientists. Personal pictograms followed by a brief description (job, nationality and work developed) are the privileged source of information.
O ensino da Geologia pressupõe o recurso a estratégias como as aulas de campo. As vantagens são i... more O ensino da Geologia pressupõe o recurso a estratégias como as aulas de campo. As vantagens são inúmeras e conhecidas, no entanto, os constrangimentos e condicionalismos nas escolas também são uma realidade. O exemplo que aqui se apresenta realizou-se com alunos do 12° ano de escolaridade na disciplina de Geologia. Esta estratégia promove o desenvolvimento, interesse e motivação pelos conceitos geológicos que, recorrentemente, os nossos alunos identificam como desinteressantes, estáticos e sem 'vida'. A aula de campo foi organizada seguindo a orientação do modelo de Orion e incluiu uma fase de preparação, anterior à aula de campo, e uma fase de síntese, numa etapa posterior.
In this work, authors present the results of an evaluation
process of a set of learning resources... more In this work, authors present the results of an evaluation process of a set of learning resources developed for the Geology subject for the 12th year schooling. For this purpose a methodology for gathering data was used, which involved the construction and application of an individual questionnaire and a semistructured interview. All the teaching resources evaluated can be considered relevant, feasible and useful, and can be seen as a complement to course books available in the market.
Textbooks should promote the development of problem
solving, critical and creative thinking skill... more Textbooks should promote the development of problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plan search on sciences. One of the important strategies, in the teaching of Natural Sciences, is the questions formulation technique. The aim of the study was to evaluate the questions, considering the cognitive level and the location, in the theme Earth Transformation, included in four editions of the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks from 2012 and the previous four textbooks, two from 2006, one 2007 and one 2011. Eight textbooks from five publishers were selected and a document and content analysis was performed. In order to assess the questions, the subthemes Internal structure of the Earth, The Earth's internal dynamics and Consequences of the internal dynamics of the Earth were analysed. In the 2012 textbooks, there was an increased inthe high cognitive level questions, however the majority, in all textbooks were of low cognitive level.
A field trip is an activity that takes place in natural environment, outside the classroom. Howev... more A field trip is an activity that takes place in natural environment, outside the classroom. However, teachers have some difficulties in carrying out field trip. To overcome these difficulties, we planned and constructed resources for a virtual field trip in Lousã Mountain. This study aims to validate these teaching materials. The results indicate that teaching materials are adequate for the age of students and have scientific and didactic quality.
Textbooks should promote the development of problem
solving, critical and creative thinking skill... more Textbooks should promote the development of problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plan search on science. Some relevant strategies include the development of practical activities in the teaching of Natural Sciences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practical activities included in the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks published in 2012 (4) and in 2006 (2), 2007(1), 2011 (1). Eight textbooks, from five publishers, were selected and a document content analysis was conducted. In this study, the sub-theme Fossils and their importance in reconstructingthe Earth history was selected and the analysis was performed according type and the cognitive level of practical activities. The results showed a slight improvement in the number of practical activities with high cognitive level (57%) in the 2012 textbooks, but in all textbooks, the typology of these activities revealed that Field Work, Research and Laboratory activities were less, when compared to the Resolution of Exercises activities.
The Lousã Mountain presents a wide variety of lithologies, formed in different geodynamic context... more The Lousã Mountain presents a wide variety of lithologies, formed in different geodynamic contexts, for example, Beiras Group and Coentral Granite. This study aims to create data sheets to characterize selected outcrops in the Lousã Mountain for a virtual field trip. The study included documentary analysis, identification of outcrops, fieldwork, photographic and video record of outcrops, preparation of record sheets to characterize each outcrop and construction of models. The virtual field class resources, built based on record sheets, were available in an electronic page.
This study presents conceptions that participants, five
Biology-Geology teachers, present on teac... more This study presents conceptions that participants, five Biology-Geology teachers, present on teaching the concept of Paleomagnetism in secondary education in general and, particularly, in the 12th year Geology. To develop the study was made a semistructured interview and applied a content analysis methodology. It can be stated that teachers consider important the teaching of Paleomagnetism, as well as recognize the importance of informational content about the History of science and the proposal of practical activities for understanding this content. Absences expose a lack of articulation with the curricular guidelines for 12th year Geology.
Models are key instruments for scientists and science teachers and students. This work presents t... more Models are key instruments for scientists and science teachers and students. This work presents the findings of a study developed with a 7th grade group of students, who took part mainly in the construction, presentation, discussion and assessment of models about the internal earth structure. These models, which were designed and built in group, were presented in the classroom and compared with a teaching model in order to identify the mistakes made by means of an activity called “error hunt”. These activities allowed the students to become aware of their own scientific knowledge and made it possible for them to improve, at least in some cases, their mental models about the earth internal structure.
The metaphoric language has an outstanding role in the Earth Science teaching/learning process, c... more The metaphoric language has an outstanding role in the Earth Science teaching/learning process, considering its high heuristic and didactic potential. Through the use of a content analysis technique, this study attempts to establish the relationship between the metaphoric language present in the 7th and 10th grades students’ books, as suggested in the Geological
programmatic contents, and the pre-defined aims of the curriculum current educational system reform. As the results of the analysis of curricular orientations and syllabus indicated, only the official curricula documents related to the current reform clearly refer the didactic exploration of metaphors and analogies. However the students’ books used in the current reform (ME2 e ME4) don’t show any evolution in what concerns the number of metaphors and/or analogies included.
Está comprovada a importância do recurso a episódios da História da Ciência (HC) no processo de e... more Está comprovada a importância do recurso a episódios da História da Ciência (HC) no processo de ensino e aprendizagem das Ciências da Terra e da Vida, bem como a sua inclusão nos compêndios escolares. Um marco importante da HC do século XX foi os dados obtidos a partir das determinações paleomagnéticas na crusta oceânica. Na disciplina de Biologia e Geologia (BG) do 10.ºAno do curso de Científico-humanísticos, a lecionação dos métodos indiretos para o estudo da Geosfera potencia a abordagem de conceitos no âmbito do Paleomagnetismo. Neste contexto, para este estudo, que se inclui num projeto mais abrangente, formulou-se a seguinte questão de investigação: os manuais escolares manifestam no seu conteúdo a importância da HC? Para dar resposta a esta questão definiram-se os seguintes objetivos específicos e com os quais se pretendem avaliar: a) os exemplos de HC incluídos no subcapítulo selecionado nos manuais escolares de BG do 10.°ano; b) a importância atribuída aos protagonistas da HC no subcapítulo da disciplina e ano escolar em estudo; c) a forma como é apresentada a informação histórica no subcapítulo em análise. Para o desenvolvimento deste estudo recorreu-se a uma metodologia de análise qualitativa para a qual foi adaptada, de Leite (2002), uma grelha de análise de conteúdo com duas categorias Tipo e organização da informação histórica e Material usado para apresentar a informação histórica. A amostra incluiu todos os manuais escolares (n=5) disponíveis no mercado nacional para a disciplina de BG do 10.º Ano, no ano letivo de 2011/2012, e a análise incidiu sobre o conteúdo programático “Métodos para o estudo do interior da geosfera”(os Métodos indiretos) que faz parte do “Tema III – Compreender a estrutura e a dinâmica da geosfera”. Os manuais escolares de BG do 10.º ano de escolaridade, e para o conteúdo em apreço, apresentam uma reduzida quantidade de referências sobre o percurso histórico responsável pela evolução da ciência e do conhecimento científico. Particularmente é notória a diminuta inclusão de referências sobre os seus protagonistas e o recurso a informação oriunda de fontes primárias. Embora a presença de episódios da HC seja uma metodologia amplamente enfatizada pelos programas disciplinares e fundamental para desenvolver o conhecimento numa vertente CTSA, a análise qualitativa dos manuais do 10.º ano, e para a temática selecionada, permite-nos concluir que não é dada relevância à inclusão deste tipo de informação. Consideramos que o cumprimento das orientações programáticas poderiam vir a tornar mais apelativa a explanação dos conceitos e, como tal, facilitar a sua aquisição por parte dos alunos.
Studies of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and isothermal magnetic remanence (IRM) we... more Studies of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and isothermal magnetic remanence (IRM) were carried out in the Castelo Branco granite. The magnetic susceptibility and the IRM values characterize the differences between central facies and peripheric facies and are due to the abundance of biotite and other ferromagnesian minerals such as cordierite in the peripheric facies, and to the presence of ferrimagnetic structures in different very low percentages. The high magnetic anisotropy in the peripheric facies suggests a bigger magma stretching in the border of the pluton. The NNW-SSE magnetic foliations are parallel to the regional structures,which point out the role of the last ductile Variscan deformation phase in the emplacement of this pluton. These magnetic foliations developed in a magmatic to submagmatic state as it is attested by the microstructures and the magnetic anisotropy values.
Satellite images of the northeastern border of the Atlantic Ocean were used in order to interpret... more Satellite images of the northeastern border of the Atlantic Ocean were used in order to interpret the tectono-structural setting of the area between the Charles Gibbs fracture zone and the Canarias islands parallel, particularly for its geometry and kinematics. The structural analysis allows to concluded that the build-up of the Macaronesian Islands where strongly controlled by left-lateral NNE-SSW structural lineaments. The associated development of sigmoidal deformation allows the magma injection, and the implantation of volcanic islands and seamounts.An expedite interpretation for the tectonics of Azores region is always expressed: the original development of the transformant faults is strongly interrupted and emphasized by the interposition of NNE-SSW left-lateral faults. An expressed connection between the secondary structures present on the Azores region and the NW sector of Iberian Peninsula is also considered and interpreted in what concerns their fundamental features.
In this study we reflect upon how the illustrations (photographs, drawings, diagrams, graphs and ... more In this study we reflect upon how the illustrations (photographs, drawings, diagrams, graphs and maps) are presented in Natural Sciences and Geology textbooks in elementary and secondary education. Data analysis showed that elementary textbooks value different pictorial representations, while in secondary school textbooks there is no explicit information about the pedagogical relevance in using images. Analysing the predominance of various pictorial representations, under the sub-themes discussed, we conclude that the photographs stands out compared to other categories, having the textbook authors in both teaching cycles opted for photographs of Portuguese Geology instead of international ones.
Project Work (PW) requires student-centered learning and involves the planning, implementation an... more Project Work (PW) requires student-centered learning and involves the planning, implementation and evaluation of a project and, then, the presentation of its results. In this
study we intend to reflect on the importance, benefits and constraints of PW methodology in the process of teaching and learning Geosciences. Taking into consideration the studies
analyzed, we can conclude that PW is a methodological approach in learning in geosciences, and it can be used to promote scientific literacy and develop important
competences in the education of young people as citizens and to contribute to the enhancement of scientific contents.
The Mineralogical and Geological Museum and Laboratory of the University of Coimbra were a main u... more The Mineralogical and Geological Museum and Laboratory of the University of Coimbra were a main unit of the Faculty of Sciences during the XX century. It originated from the earlier Section of Mineralogy and Geology of the Natural History Museum (1885) and was subdivided, after 1992, in both the Earth Sciences Department and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum. Side by side with many other contemporaneous activities of this structure, the research, teaching and outreach of Paleontology from the ex-Portuguese African territories was marked by a rather late, but still significant contribute that gathered reputation to the University, also with the creation of a scientific journal (Memórias e Notícias, since 1921).Although the intention to supply the Museum with African samples and specimens was noticeable at least since the 1840 ́s, the collections of minerals, rocks and fossils began only to be assembled more than 50 years later. The geologic studies were initiated with Prof. Anselmo Ferraz de Carvalho. Some years afterwards they continued under the direction of Prof. Cotelo Neiva (1950 onwards). Concerning the works of Paleontology of Angola, Mozambique and/or São Tomé and Príncipe, the emphasis goes to Gumerzindo Henriques da Silva (from 1953 to 1972), António Ferreira Soares (from 1959 to 1970) and Armando Moura (from 1958 to 1976), among others. With a few exceptions, the taxonomic groups studied by these workers were Cretaceous and Miocene bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods and echinoids. Most studies deal with systematic, taxonomic and biostratigraphyic problems, and their pertinence and quality have been confirmed by a significant volume of scientific contacts with foreign institutions and specialists of Paleontology. In the present study we make a brief analysis of these works and related collections, as well as a review of the literature of the real contribution of Coimbra during the golden era of African studies that were the 1950’s to 1970’s of last century.
Curriculum guidelines as well as the need for motivational strategies in teaching themes of
Geolo... more Curriculum guidelines as well as the need for motivational strategies in teaching themes of Geology have led to the promotion/increase of activities outside the classroom, both in elementary as well as in secondary levels of education. The conclusions have been drawn and the benefits associated to these activities surpass any drawbacks. In this paper, we present a field class designed for 7th year Science students, which was held at the end of the 2009/2010 school year, by a school in the north of Portugal. The organization of the field work followed the guidelines of the model of Orion and proved to be a motivational strategy for the development of competences.
Se nas Ciências experimentais são frequentes aulas e manuais escolares com recurso a atividades p... more Se nas Ciências experimentais são frequentes aulas e manuais escolares com recurso a atividades práticas com manipulação de variáveis, o Ensino da Geologia restringe-se, quase sempre, a atividades de laboratório, com simulações e modelações de processos quase sempre sem a pretensão de controlar variáveis. É que a redução de tempo e de espaço, aliada a materiais que nem sempre mantêm as características reológicas não permitem que a modelação em sala de aula, que sempre estabelece analogias mas quase nunca é análoga, permita recolher evidências como ocorre na investigação científica. Assim, sendo a modelação importante no ensino da geologia até para estimular nos alunos o raciocínio por analogia tão próprio desta ciência histórica e hermenêutica, deve ser realizada com as devidas precauções para não criar conceções alternativas nem reduzir para o laboratório uma ciência eminentemente de campo.
The main goal of this study was to present the essential concepts of a model, of the models of Ma... more The main goal of this study was to present the essential concepts of a model, of the models of Magnetic Susceptibility and Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) and to show the possibility of developing scientific models for the interpretation of granitic massifs of the Geology of Portugal. The models based on AMS data analyzed in this study contributed to a different understanding of the subsystems studied and are important “teaching models” for examples of the Geology of Portugal.
Environmental magnetic methods have been particularly used since the 1980s. In this paper the goa... more Environmental magnetic methods have been particularly used since the 1980s. In this paper the goals are to present: magnetic methods; sampling and sample preparation methods; data collection methods; data representation methods and the type of research problems that magnetic methods allow us to resolve. As conclusions, we note that magnetic methods are powerful in solving problems of current environments and paleoenvironments, especially in studies of pollution by particles, in studies of evolution and pollution of soils and sediments and in studies of materials sources, such as in forensic studies. The magnetic parameters evaluated in various types of materials allow us to find the contribution of detrital ferrimagnetic materials, biological and anthropogenic in origin. The magnetic parameters determine the origin (the signature) of the materials, the size and the type of structure. For example, in studies of urban pollution, it is possible to construct the mapping of pollution, and know the origin of materials and magnetic parameters relating to the chemical composition. In soil studies, it is possible to sketch evolution models and contamination.
The Conraria Formation is the lower unit of the Grés de Silves Group (Silves Sandstones Group) of... more The Conraria Formation is the lower unit of the Grés de Silves Group (Silves Sandstones Group) of Upper Triassic age. It is the sum of two subunits which have mean thickness of 40 ± 5 m and 120 ± 15 m, respectively, in the Coimbra region.
The granite complex of Castelo Branco, central Portugal, is a zoned composite pluton constituted ... more The granite complex of Castelo Branco, central Portugal, is a zoned composite pluton constituted by a central facies of two-mica granite concentrically rounded by porphyritic two-mica granodiorites.
Uploads
Papers by Celeste Gomes (1962 - 2016)
better use and sustainable management. The main goal of this study is to charatherize the soil in the area surrounding
the city of Coimbra about is magnetic properties and geochemistry. We analyzed 206 soil samples. The following
magnetic parameters were determined: mass specific magnetic susceptibility (c), natural remanent magnetization
(NRM), isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and the S-ratios; for the samples collected in the profiles soil the
following parameters were determined: organic matter, pH, K2O, K+, Ca +, Na +, Mg+. A selected set of samples was
analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for the following toxic metals Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Ni. We studied
the relationship between the parameters analyzed and identified the main sources of contamination.
The magnetic susceptibility values characterize the difference between central facies and peripheric facies and are
due to the abundance of biotite and other ferromagnesian minerals such as cordierite in the peripheric facies. The high
magnetic anisotropy in the peripheric facies suggests a higher magma stretching in the border of the pluton. The
NNW-SSE magnetic foliations are parallel to the regional structures,which point out the role of the last ductile
Variscan deformation phase in the emplacement of this pluton. These magnetic foliations were developed in a
magmatic to submagmatic state as shown by the microstructures and the magnetic anisotropy values.
ferromagnetic sensu lato – s.l.) and to determine and compare, together with field data, the direction of the paleocurrents in the rocks of these formations, based on the study of the magnetic lineation.
management. This study intended to analyze whether the schoolbooks selected include practical activities according to the Physical and Natural Sciences Curricular Guidelines that intend to promote an education for sustainability. The sub-topic “sustainable management of resources”, in five 8th Grade
schoolbooks, was analyzed. The analysis of the data led to the conclusion that there is a great diversity, mainly in what concerns the number of practical activities suggested in each book, and they do not follow the activities suggested by the Curricular Guidelines.
Biology-Geology teachers, present on teaching the concept of
Paleomagnetism in secondary education in general and, particularly,
in the 12th year Geology. To develop the study was made a semistructured
interview and applied a content analysis methodology. It
can be stated that teachers consider important the teaching of
Paleomagnetism, as well as recognize the importance of
informational content about the History of science and the proposal
of practical activities for understanding this content. Absences
expose a lack of articulation with the curricular guidelines for 12th
year Geology.
process of a set of learning resources developed for the Geology
subject for the 12th year schooling. For this purpose a methodology
for gathering data was used, which involved the construction and
application of an individual questionnaire and a semistructured
interview. All the teaching resources evaluated can be considered
relevant, feasible and useful, and can be seen as a complement to
course books available in the market.
solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plan search on sciences. One of the important strategies, in the teaching of Natural Sciences, is the questions formulation technique. The aim of the study was to evaluate the questions, considering the cognitive level and the location, in the theme Earth Transformation, included in four editions of the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks from 2012 and the previous four textbooks, two from 2006, one 2007 and one 2011. Eight textbooks from five publishers were selected and a
document and content analysis was performed. In order to assess the questions, the subthemes Internal structure of the Earth, The Earth's internal dynamics and Consequences of the internal dynamics of the Earth were analysed. In the 2012 textbooks, there was an increased in the high cognitive level questions, however the majority, in all textbooks were of low cognitive level.
environment, outside the classroom. However, teachers have some difficulties in carrying out field trip. To overcome these difficulties, we planned and constructed resources for a virtual field trip in Lousã Mountain. This study aims to validate these teaching materials. The results indicate that teaching materials are adequate for the age of students and have scientific and didactic quality.
better use and sustainable management. The main goal of this study is to charatherize the soil in the area surrounding
the city of Coimbra about is magnetic properties and geochemistry. We analyzed 206 soil samples. The following
magnetic parameters were determined: mass specific magnetic susceptibility (c), natural remanent magnetization
(NRM), isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and the S-ratios; for the samples collected in the profiles soil the
following parameters were determined: organic matter, pH, K2O, K+, Ca +, Na +, Mg+. A selected set of samples was
analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for the following toxic metals Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Ni. We studied
the relationship between the parameters analyzed and identified the main sources of contamination.
The magnetic susceptibility values characterize the difference between central facies and peripheric facies and are
due to the abundance of biotite and other ferromagnesian minerals such as cordierite in the peripheric facies. The high
magnetic anisotropy in the peripheric facies suggests a higher magma stretching in the border of the pluton. The
NNW-SSE magnetic foliations are parallel to the regional structures,which point out the role of the last ductile
Variscan deformation phase in the emplacement of this pluton. These magnetic foliations were developed in a
magmatic to submagmatic state as shown by the microstructures and the magnetic anisotropy values.
ferromagnetic sensu lato – s.l.) and to determine and compare, together with field data, the direction of the paleocurrents in the rocks of these formations, based on the study of the magnetic lineation.
management. This study intended to analyze whether the schoolbooks selected include practical activities according to the Physical and Natural Sciences Curricular Guidelines that intend to promote an education for sustainability. The sub-topic “sustainable management of resources”, in five 8th Grade
schoolbooks, was analyzed. The analysis of the data led to the conclusion that there is a great diversity, mainly in what concerns the number of practical activities suggested in each book, and they do not follow the activities suggested by the Curricular Guidelines.
Biology-Geology teachers, present on teaching the concept of
Paleomagnetism in secondary education in general and, particularly,
in the 12th year Geology. To develop the study was made a semistructured
interview and applied a content analysis methodology. It
can be stated that teachers consider important the teaching of
Paleomagnetism, as well as recognize the importance of
informational content about the History of science and the proposal
of practical activities for understanding this content. Absences
expose a lack of articulation with the curricular guidelines for 12th
year Geology.
process of a set of learning resources developed for the Geology
subject for the 12th year schooling. For this purpose a methodology
for gathering data was used, which involved the construction and
application of an individual questionnaire and a semistructured
interview. All the teaching resources evaluated can be considered
relevant, feasible and useful, and can be seen as a complement to
course books available in the market.
solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plan search on sciences. One of the important strategies, in the teaching of Natural Sciences, is the questions formulation technique. The aim of the study was to evaluate the questions, considering the cognitive level and the location, in the theme Earth Transformation, included in four editions of the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks from 2012 and the previous four textbooks, two from 2006, one 2007 and one 2011. Eight textbooks from five publishers were selected and a
document and content analysis was performed. In order to assess the questions, the subthemes Internal structure of the Earth, The Earth's internal dynamics and Consequences of the internal dynamics of the Earth were analysed. In the 2012 textbooks, there was an increased in the high cognitive level questions, however the majority, in all textbooks were of low cognitive level.
environment, outside the classroom. However, teachers have some difficulties in carrying out field trip. To overcome these difficulties, we planned and constructed resources for a virtual field trip in Lousã Mountain. This study aims to validate these teaching materials. The results indicate that teaching materials are adequate for the age of students and have scientific and didactic quality.
associations (engineers and architects) open to the general public, field activities included in the Portuguese scientific program “Geology in Summer” to visit slope failure sites, and lectures in high schools, as students are quite sensible to the problem. Didactic materials were prepared to allow a suitable teaching of the subject in the 11th grade in Biology and Geology course. These education and teaching strategies revealed encouraging results.
study we intend to reflect on the importance, benefits and constraints of PW methodology in the process of teaching and learning Geosciences. Taking into consideration the studies
analyzed, we can conclude that PW is a methodological approach in learning in geosciences, and it can be used to promote scientific literacy and develop important
competences in the education of young people as citizens and to contribute to the enhancement of scientific contents.
solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plansearch on science. Some relevant strategies include the development of practical activities in the teaching of Natural Sciences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practical activities included in the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks published in 2012 (4) and in 2006 (2), 2007(1), 2011 (1). Eight textbooks, from five publishers, were selected and a document content analysis was conducted. In this study, the sub-theme Fossils and their importance in reconstructing the Earth history was selected and the analysis was performed according type and the cognitive level of practical activities. The results showed a slight improvement in the number of practical activities with high cognitive level (57%) in the 2012 textbooks, but in all textbooks, the typology of these activities revealed that Field
Work, Research and Laboratory activities were less, when compared to the Resolution of Exercises activities.
como desinteressantes, estáticos e sem 'vida'. A aula de campo foi organizada seguindo a orientação do modelo de Orion e incluiu uma fase de preparação, anterior à aula de campo, e
uma fase de síntese, numa etapa posterior.
process of a set of learning resources developed for the Geology subject for the 12th year schooling. For this purpose a methodology for gathering data was used, which involved the construction and application of an individual questionnaire and a semistructured interview. All the teaching resources evaluated can be considered relevant, feasible and useful, and can be seen as a complement to course books available in the market.
solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plan search on sciences. One of the important strategies, in the teaching of Natural Sciences, is the questions formulation technique. The aim of the study was to evaluate the questions, considering the cognitive level and the location, in the theme Earth Transformation, included in four editions of the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks from 2012 and the previous four textbooks, two from 2006, one 2007 and one 2011. Eight textbooks from five publishers were selected and a document and content analysis was performed. In order to assess the
questions, the subthemes Internal structure of the Earth, The Earth's internal dynamics and Consequences of the internal dynamics of the Earth were analysed. In the 2012 textbooks, there was an increased inthe high cognitive level questions, however the majority, in all textbooks were of low cognitive level.
solving, critical and creative thinking skills and competences to plan search on science. Some relevant strategies include the development
of practical activities in the teaching of Natural Sciences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practical activities included in the 7th grade Natural Sciences textbooks published in 2012 (4) and in 2006 (2), 2007(1), 2011 (1). Eight textbooks, from five publishers, were selected and a document content analysis was conducted. In this study, the sub-theme Fossils and their importance in reconstructingthe Earth history was selected and the analysis was performed according type and the cognitive level of practical activities. The results showed a slight improvement in the number of practical activities with high cognitive level (57%) in the 2012 textbooks, but in all textbooks, the typology of these activities revealed that Field Work, Research and Laboratory activities were less, when compared
to the Resolution of Exercises activities.
Beiras Group and Coentral Granite. This study aims to create data sheets to characterize selected outcrops in the Lousã Mountain for a virtual field trip. The study included documentary analysis, identification of outcrops, fieldwork, photographic and video record of outcrops, preparation of record sheets to characterize each outcrop and construction of models. The virtual field class resources, built based on record sheets, were available in an electronic page.
Biology-Geology teachers, present on teaching the concept of
Paleomagnetism in secondary education in general and, particularly, in the 12th year Geology. To develop the study was made a semistructured interview and applied a content analysis methodology. It can be stated that teachers consider important the teaching of Paleomagnetism, as well as recognize the importance of informational content about the History of science and the proposal of practical activities for understanding this content. Absences expose a lack of articulation with the curricular guidelines for 12th
year Geology.
mainly in the construction, presentation, discussion and assessment of models about the internal earth structure. These models, which were designed and built in group, were presented in the classroom and compared with a teaching model in order to identify the mistakes made by means of an activity called “error hunt”. These activities allowed the students to become aware of their own scientific knowledge and made it possible for them to improve, at least in some cases, their mental models about the earth internal structure.
programmatic contents, and the pre-defined aims of the curriculum current educational system reform. As the results of the analysis of curricular orientations and syllabus indicated, only the official curricula documents related to the current reform clearly refer the didactic exploration of metaphors and analogies. However the students’ books used in the current reform (ME2 e ME4) don’t show any evolution in what concerns the number of metaphors and/or analogies included.
values characterize the differences between central facies and peripheric facies and are due to the abundance of biotite and other ferromagnesian minerals such as cordierite in the peripheric facies, and to the presence of ferrimagnetic structures in different very low percentages. The high magnetic
anisotropy in the peripheric facies suggests a bigger magma stretching in the border of the pluton.
The NNW-SSE magnetic foliations are parallel to the regional structures,which point out the role of the last ductile Variscan deformation phase in the emplacement of this pluton. These magnetic foliations developed in a magmatic to submagmatic state as it is attested by the microstructures and the magnetic anisotropy values.
The structural analysis allows to concluded that the build-up of the Macaronesian Islands where strongly controlled by left-lateral NNE-SSW structural lineaments. The associated development of sigmoidal deformation allows the magma injection, and the implantation of volcanic islands and
seamounts.An expedite interpretation for the tectonics of Azores region is always expressed: the original development of the transformant faults is strongly interrupted and emphasized by the interposition of NNE-SSW left-lateral faults.
An expressed connection between the secondary structures present on the Azores region and the NW sector of Iberian Peninsula is also considered and interpreted in what concerns their fundamental features.
study we intend to reflect on the importance, benefits and constraints of PW methodology in the process of teaching and learning Geosciences. Taking into consideration the studies
analyzed, we can conclude that PW is a methodological approach in learning in geosciences, and it can be used to promote scientific literacy and develop important
competences in the education of young people as citizens and to contribute to the enhancement of scientific contents.
Geological Museum. Side by side with many other contemporaneous activities of this structure, the research, teaching and outreach of Paleontology from the ex-Portuguese
African territories was marked by a rather late, but still significant contribute that gathered reputation to the University, also with the creation of a scientific journal (Memórias e Notícias, since 1921).Although the intention to supply the Museum with African samples and specimens was noticeable at least since the 1840 ́s, the collections of minerals, rocks and fossils began only to be assembled more than 50 years later. The geologic studies were initiated with Prof. Anselmo Ferraz de Carvalho. Some years afterwards they continued under the direction of Prof. Cotelo Neiva (1950 onwards). Concerning the works of Paleontology of Angola, Mozambique and/or São Tomé and Príncipe, the emphasis goes to Gumerzindo Henriques da Silva (from 1953 to 1972), António Ferreira Soares (from 1959 to 1970) and Armando Moura (from
1958 to 1976), among others. With a few exceptions, the taxonomic groups studied by these workers were Cretaceous and Miocene bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods and echinoids. Most studies deal with systematic, taxonomic and biostratigraphyic problems, and their pertinence and quality have been confirmed by a significant volume of scientific contacts with foreign institutions and specialists of Paleontology. In the present study we make a brief analysis of these works and related collections, as well as a review of the literature of the real contribution of Coimbra during the golden era of African studies that were the 1950’s to 1970’s of last century.
Geology have led to the promotion/increase of activities outside the classroom, both in
elementary as well as in secondary levels of education. The conclusions have been drawn
and the benefits associated to these activities surpass any drawbacks. In this paper, we
present a field class designed for 7th year Science students, which was held at the end of the
2009/2010 school year, by a school in the north of Portugal. The organization of the field
work followed the guidelines of the model of Orion and proved to be a motivational
strategy for the development of competences.
científica. Assim, sendo a modelação importante no ensino da geologia até para estimular nos alunos o raciocínio por analogia tão próprio desta ciência histórica e hermenêutica, deve ser realizada com as devidas precauções para não criar conceções
alternativas nem reduzir para o laboratório uma ciência eminentemente de campo.
the possibility of developing scientific models for the interpretation of granitic massifs of the Geology of Portugal. The models based on AMS data analyzed in this study contributed to a different understanding of the subsystems studied and are important “teaching models” for examples of the Geology of Portugal.
collection methods; data representation methods and the type of research problems that magnetic methods allow us to resolve. As conclusions, we note that magnetic methods are powerful in solving problems of current environments and paleoenvironments, especially in studies of pollution by
particles, in studies of evolution and pollution of soils and sediments and in studies of materials sources, such as in forensic studies. The magnetic parameters evaluated in various types of materials allow us to find the contribution of detrital ferrimagnetic materials, biological and anthropogenic in origin. The magnetic parameters determine the origin (the signature) of the materials, the size and the type of structure. For example, in studies of urban pollution, it is possible to construct the mapping of pollution, and know the origin of materials and magnetic parameters relating to the chemical composition. In soil studies, it is possible to sketch evolution models and contamination.