Cryptography as a motivation for mathematical learning

Abstract

Cryptography is present in everyday life and constitutes an essential tool to provide security and confidentiality in the transmission and deposit of information, based on knowledge and mathematical procedures. Thus, it is considered that it is a theme with the power to contextualize the teaching and learning process and to awaken students' interest in learning mathematical content. Thus, this work aims to present the use of cryptography as a tool to motivate the learning of the concept of function. The research, with a qualitative approach, was developed with 9th grade students from a municipal public school. Data were collected through questionnaires, observation and analysis of activities carried out by students. The use of the Inverted Classroom as a teaching methodology, added to the selected digital resources, contributed to the students' motivation to carry out the activities, presenting their understanding of the concept of function. Thus, it is expected that the results achieved can serve as a stimulus for more contextualized and meaningful teaching practices.