Using a Derivative to infer on a contamination speed of the new Coronavirus: a possibility for Calculation classes

Abstract

This article was driven by the student's questioning about the new coronavirus contamination curve. We exploited this hesitation and went further: by stimulating the students on how to find the mathematical expression, that represented this curve and then proposed the hypothesis: through this formula, we could operate with Derivative to infer the contamination speed. To answer these questions, we used the Semiotics Representation Records, Derivative Holistic Sense, Mathematical Modeling, Excel and Geogebra. In the paper, it is shown how we operationalized our theoretical and methodological referential to answer the questions. The gathering of data, reported by communication vehicles to the classroom has revealed that this research may be used as reference for the possibilities of pedagogical interventions at differential calculus classes; furthermore, we were able to apply this article's theme to several other daily situations.