O telescópio espacial James Webb: física e possibilidades didáticas para o ensino médio

Abstract

This undergraduate thesis investigates the physical principles that enable the operation of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), highlighting its optical, thermal, and orbital fundamentals. The research presents a theoretical review covering everything from celestial mechanics of Lagrange points to blackbody radiation and the operation of the scientific instruments that make up the observatory. In parallel, it discusses the relevance of infrared radiation for observing cold objects, distant galaxies, and phenomena of the early Universe, highlighting the advancements of the JWST compared to previous telescopes such as Hubble and Spitzer. Beyond the scientific foundation, the work develops a pedagogical proposal aimed at high school students, structured in three lessons that explore real images, comparisons between telescopes, simple experiments, and calculations involving distance and the speed of light. The teaching sequence is based on the Brazilian National Curriculum (BNCC) and seeks to promote meaningful learning, using visual resources and conceptual analogies to connect astrophysics to the student's daily life. The application of the proposal resulted in a good understanding of the basic concepts related to the electromagnetic spectrum, infrared radiation, and the functioning of telescopes, as demonstrated by the questionnaires and the active participation of the students. Finally, the work culminates in a proposed teaching sequence aligned with the BNCC (Brazilian National Curriculum Base), demonstrating how the fascination with JWST (Jet-Wide Telescope Science) can be used to introduce physics concepts.