THE HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS AND THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL

Abstract

The New High School brought several changes in the curriculum and structure of this stage of basic education. Along with these changes came numerous challenges. One of these great challenges faced by teachers is the preparation of elective subjects. Elective courses aim to provide a more personalized and flexible education, allowing students to deepen their knowledge in areas of their interest or develop specific skills. For this reason, the definition of the objects of knowledge to be addressed in these disciplines requires a careful analysis of the needs and interests of the students, as well as the integration of contents that are relevant and significant for the integral formation of the students. Thus, the present work aimed to carry out bibliographic research to justify the use of the history of mathematics as an elective subject. The history of mathematics provides students with a broader perspective on mathematics, showing that it is an ever-evolving discipline influenced by human thought and social needs. Finally, a grid of topics to be addressed in this discipline is proposed, taking into account the competencies and skills present in the BNCC (National Common Curricular Base) and seeking to fill possible gaps in the teaching-learning process of basic knowledge objects of mathematics. This grid includes, among other topics: The numbering systems, the origin of the main mathematical symbols, the history of fractions, functions, numerical sets, and contemporary mathematics.