DRUG CHEMISTRY AND SELF-MEDICATION AWARENESS AS A TOOL IN TEACHING ORGANIC FUNCTIONS

One of the greatest difficulties in teaching chemistry is the decontextualized form the content is taught in the classroom. This study aims to use contextualization as a pedagogical tool, presenting different approaches to teaching chemistry by using organic functions applied to pharmaceutical drugs and alerting students about the risks of self-medication, as well as underlining precautions that should be taken when consuming medication. The project was carried out at the Maria Almeida do Nascimento State School, in Coari, Amazonas - Brazil, with high school seniors. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods carried out in six steps: I Application of initial questionnaire; II expository lectures and discussions of clinical cases; III experimentation; IV lecture explaining reactions; V learning assessment; VI application of final questionnaire. Results showed a positive effect on content comprehension. This research demonstrates the importance of contextualizing academic subjects in teaching chemistry and using different methodologies to build scientific and social knowledge. Additionally, it helped bring awareness to the practice of self-medication.