Aproximación a la enseñanza de las ciencias (física) en el contexto rural dentro del programa tutorías para el aprendizaje y la formación integral del Ministerio de Educación Nacional: experiencias con cohetes

Abstract

This thesis is developed within the framework of the internship carried out at the Gerardo Arias Ramírez Educational Institution, John F. Kennedy campus, in Villamaría, Caldas, as part of the Tutorías para el Aprendizaje y la Formación Integral (PTAFI 3.0) program of the Ministry of National Education (MEN). The experience took place in a rural setting with the aim of strengthening the teaching of exact sciences in basic education through active and innovative pedagogical strategies. The main objective of this internship was to recognize and improve the teaching of physics in primary education, fostering scientific curiosity through experiments and the construction of devices such as hydraulic rockets. To achieve this, activities focused on experiential learning were developed, using simple materials and methodologies that encouraged active student participation. Among the activities carried out, experimental workshops were implemented as part of the Experimentos infantiles desde la física (Children’s Experiments in Physics) project. These workshops included the exploration of physical phenomena through simulations and the construction of models such as paper airplanes and helicopters. Additionally, reinforcement activities in mathematics and literacy were conducted to complement the students' learning process. A central aspect was the integration of teaching strategies adapted to the rural context, allowing learning to be connected to the students’ real-life experiences. There was a notable improvement in the children’s participation and interest, as reflected in their motivation to engage in practical activities and their curiosity about physical phenomena. Furthermore, the educational community, including teachers and families, was actively involved in the learning process. Additionally, an analysis of the impact of these strategies on students' academic and social development was conducted, identifying both the progress made and the challenges encountered in the educational context. This analysis allowed for the proposal of improvements in the implementation of educational programs in rural areas and highlighted the importance of pedagogical support in these environments. As a result of this experience, significant progress was made in student learning, promoting the development of scientific skills through experimental methodologies. The internship allowed for the identification of specific challenges in teaching physics at the primary level and the adaptation to the conditions of the environment. The need to strengthen access to adequate educational resources and to promote innovative strategies that motivate students was evident. Finally, the positive impact of the experimental workshops and the documentation of the experience provide a valuable reference for future interventions in rural education.