An experiment with Scratch to calculate the discriminant (delta) in polynomial equations of degree 2

Abstract

This article describes a teaching experience carried out by students enrolled in the first year of the Mathematics degree course at the State University of Paraná, Paranavaí campus, using Scratch as a digital technology to promote the teaching of second-degree equations. The proposal was carried out over the course of two hours in a 9th grade class at a public school located in the municipality of Paranavaí, made up of 30 students. Using Scratch, a visual programming platform, the students programmed a calculator to calculate the discriminant (delta) with the aim of reinforcing the concepts of second-degree equations that they had previously studied, while at the same time having the opportunity to develop their computational thinking. As a result, we observed that the activity provided the students with a new approach to mathematical learning, combining theory and practice in an interactive way. We found that of the 10 groups formed to carry out the activity, 9 were able to successfully complete the programming of the calculator. We conclude that the use of Scratch has the potential to contribute to the teaching of second-degree equations in the final years of elementary school, and in general to the teaching of mathematics.