Integrating modern and contemporary physics into high school curriculum: an experimental approach using photoluminescence

Abstract This study develops and implements a six-stage didactic sequence in modern and contemporary physics (MCP), focusing on photoluminescence, and evaluates its impact on student learning. The sequence follows the Three Pedagogical Moments framework and integrates practical experiments with theoretical discussions. The survey was conducted with 33 Brazilian high school students, and knowledge acquisition was assessed through diagnostic (pre-test) and summative (post-test) inquiries. The average correct answer rate increased from 31% to 89%, corresponding to a normalized gain of 0.85. These results indicate that the sequence enhances the comprehension of MCP concepts. Future work should refine and adapt this methodology for scalable application in diverse educational settings to support scientific literacy and STEM education.