Augmented reality in the traveling science center “Sciences Under Tents”:: technology helping to popularize science ; A realidade aumentada no centro de ciências itinerante “Ciências Sob Tendas”:: tecnologia auxiliando a popularização da ciência

In the last two decades, there has been a significant expansion of actions related to the popularization of science in Brazil, such as the creation of museums and science centers, the emergence of specialized websites, publication of books and the organization of events. Thus, considering the insertion of technologies in educational processes, especially with regard to young people and children, it is a demand not only for the construction of scientific knowledge that arouses greater interest by the visiting public, but also by the social context technological development in which Brazil is inserted. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the use of Augmented Reality in the popularization of science, through the analysis of the results obtained in the activity “Human being” carried out in the traveling science center, Sciences Under Tents (CST), which is an extension program belonging to Universidad Federal Fluminense (UFF) with a wide age group. Connectivism is the theoretical assumption of this work, which is characterized by being a qualitative exploratory study supported by observation as a form of investigation. In the “Human Being” activity, augmented reality applications were used on mobile devices, associated with an anatomical model, which allowed the visualization and functioning of three- dimensional human organs. The results reinforce the literature that points to Augmented Reality as a promising tool in the popularization of science and technology, now in the perspective of the non-formal itinerant space, arousing the curiosity of the visiting public of different ages in a pleasant and participatory way, contributing to the access to science from local communities in developing countries like Brazil. ; Nas últimas duas décadas tem-se observado uma significativa expansão de ações relacionadas a popularização da ciência no Brasil como a criação de museus e centros de ciências, surgimento de sítios da internet especializados, publicação de livros e organização de eventos. Deste modo, considerar a ...