Application of qualitative reasoning models in the scientific education of deaf students

Regarding the education of deaf students (in Brazil), three conditions have to be met in order to bring qualitative reasoning (QR) models into the classroom: (a) a bilingual education should be provided, the Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) being the first and Portuguese the second language; (b) in the absence of scientific vocabulary in LIBRAS, it has to be created; (c) given the aural impairment, which is cognitively compensated through an over-developed visual ability, a visually oriented pedagogy is needed. This paper describes how qualitative reasoning may provide an adequate scenario to create a vocabulary in sign language for representing scientific concepts while offering support for the integration of visually-oriented models and simulations, and written Portuguese in educational activities. Key words: qualitative models, deaf, science education