Educação ambiental e o ensino de Ciências em escolas públicas de Maragojipe-Ba: o que dizem os professores?

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze how the theme of mangrove preservation is addressed by science teachers in the final years of Elementary School in schools in Maragogipe, Bahia, Brazil. For this purpose, specific objectives were outlined, including identifying the perspective of environmental education in national and state curricular reference documents (BNCC and DCRB), analyzing the presence of the theme in the Political-Pedagogical Project of the surveyed schools, and investigating the teaching strategies adopted by teachers. The methodology employed was bibliographic research with a qualitative approach and descriptive-exploratory focus. The Political-Pedagogical Projects of two municipal schools were analyzed, as well as what BNCC and DCRB mention about Environmental Education. Additionally, a questionnaire with 21 questions was administered to six teachers from the municipal education network. The results revealed that, although BNCC does not bring Environmental Education as a specific curricular component, it addresses the topic in cross-cutting themes. On the other hand, DCRB treats Environmental Education as integrating themes, emphasizing its importance in student formation. However, a gap was found in the direct relation with mangrove preservation in the Political-Pedagogical Projects of the investigated schools. Regarding the teaching strategies adopted by teachers, a variety of approaches were observed, ranging from practical activities such as research and making models, to more theoretical methods such as lectures and presentations. However, some limitations were identified, such as the impossibility of recent field activities. In conclusion, despite the efforts of teachers, there is still room for improvement and more effective integration of the theme of mangrove preservation into school curricula. It is essential for educators to seek dynamic and contextualized strategies, encouraging active participation of students in the conservation of this important ecosystem. Environmental Education plays a crucial role in this process, preparing students to be agents of transformation towards a more sustainable and conscious future.