The use of Maxima software in teaching by investigation of stellar evolution using graphical simulation of nuclear fusion

Abstract It has been common theme in the curricular proposals the study and experiences of observation of the sky and the main related phenomena, in order to make possible the understanding of characteristics of the Earth, Sun, Moon and other celestial bodies. Recently, the proposal of BNCC (Common National Curricular Base) highlights the need to teach astrophysics to high school students. Within this proposal fits the discussion of birth, life and death of the stars, subject currently little contemplated in the methodological directions of educational practices in progress. In order to contribute to the modeling and approximation of the phenomena to be visualized by the students we present animations and simulations that can become important tools for the teaching of this content. A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) animation was produced using the Maxima free software, which depicts the phenomenon of nuclear fusion between protons, the repulsive coulombian approach force, and the strong force interaction, from a certain approximation distance. Through the dialogical interaction between scientific knowledge, observation of everyday phenomena, and the use of animated GIF images, situations are proposed that promote the appropriation of new knowledge.