Browsing by Author "Martins, Isabel P."
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- Pre-school science education in Portugal: teacher education and innovative practicesPublication . Pereira, Sara; Rodrigues, Maria José; Martins, Isabel P.; Vieira, Rui MarquesAssuming science education in the early years as the stepping stone for the development of scientific and technological literacy, a teacher training program was developed with six kindergarten teachers in Portugal. Its aim was to promote the (re)construction of their subject content and pedagogical knowledge leading to innovative practices, based on the characterization of their profile, shortcomings and practices. Learning through practice was considered the most effective means to promote change in kindergarten teachers’ curricular approaches to science, hence the development of practical activities focusing on children’s understanding and requiring their scientific knowledge and enquiry processes. These include a teacher’s guide (presenting its objectives, concepts and teaching, learning and assessment strategies), a theoretical framework (presenting the concepts, known misconceptions and research references) and also the necessary didactic resources. The paper details the results of the developed teacher training program as well of the validation process of the designed teaching strategies.
- Pre-school science education in Portugal: teacher training and innovative practicesPublication . Pereira, Sara; Rodrigues, Maria José; Martins, Isabel P.; Vieira, Rui MarquesA current study about the development of a teacher training program in science education in the north of Portugal is presented. Practical activities with STS orientation aimed at 3-6 year old children are exemplified. The corresponding methodology is presented.
- Preparation and characterization of poly(urethane–urea) microcapsules containing limonene. Kinetic analysisPublication . Silva, Mónica; Martins, Isabel P.; Barreiro, M.F.; Dias, Madalena M.; Rodrigues, AlírioThe synthesis of poly(urethane–urea) shells (PUU) using poly(ethylene glycols) of different molecular weights and methylene-bis(4-cyclohexyliso- cyanate) was performed for the microencapsulation of limonene, using a step growth polymerization process. The obtained microcapsules were structurally characterized by dynamic light scattering, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the core–shell microcapsules had spherical shape, a mean diameter in between 10 and 20 μm, and characteristic urethane-urea bonds. Furthermore, the molecular weight of polyol influences the entrapment efficiency, which ranged from 38 to 55%. The release data were analyzed by applying the Korsmeyer–Peppas model.