Forensic Educational Tool as a Teaching Strategy to Face the Growing Alcohol Consumption in the Student Population (Journal Article)

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Abstract: Excessive alcohol consumption in adolescence is a worldwide concern because of its numerous negative consequences. It also increases the chance of accidents and may lead to significant impairment of part of the brain, causing learning difficulties. The present work aims to present the development of a forensic educational kit composed of a breathalyzer produced with low cost materials and a colorimetric palette for use in science classes for high school students. The kit’s function is to estimate the ethanol concentration in alcoholic samples. The methodology is based on applied research with a qualitative and quantitative nature guided by an experimental procedure that presents all steps from the construction of the kit to its functionality. It also describes three didactic-pedagogical strategies on how this instrument may be used in the teaching-learning process. The results of this proposal show that, during the operation of the device, it is possible to observe a correlation with physical, chemical, biological, and mathematical concepts involving relations between science, technology, society, and environment (CTSE), which may be approached in a contextualized way and arouse student curiosity. In addition, the topic of this study provides an educational action since it enables a discussion of the impacts of ethanol on the body, raising awareness about the alarming use of alcoholic beverages. The implementation of interdisciplinary activities on the topic here is a fundamental strategy for the education of a citizen capable of developing a critical view of social events and the use of technologies.