Mathematical knowledge and skills used by bricklayers in the municipality of Amapá, state of Amapá, Brazil

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the mathematical knowledge and practices carried out by bricklayers in the municipality of Amapá, State of Amapá, Brazil, aiming to reinforce that applied mathematics is highly effective in building empirical knowledge. The work also aims to describe how this mathematical knowledge and practices are transmitted and passed on by these families. The research has a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive nature. To this end, direct observation was carried out through in place visits to works being carried out in the municipality. The research data were obtained through informal conversations with a small group of eight bricklayers, whose inclusion and exclusion group was the oldest bricklayers in the municipality and who have been working in the area for the longest time. The results obtained point to a rich set of mathematical knowledge (empirical and traditional) that has been acquired and transmitted over the years. Furthermore, the data leads to reflection on the pedagogical practice of teaching and learning mathematics and the importance of studying culture and its applicability in the classroom as a way of valuing and maintaining local traditions and mathematical knowledge.