Ensino de ciências e sustentabilidade: uma proposta didática abordando o tema lixo

Abstract

In the last decades, environmental topics are being widely discussed in the educational field, considering the countless concerns regarding the future of our planet. Many studies demonstrate proposals that evolve teaching pedagogical actions addressing different subjects. This research investigates an experience in a classroom, focusing on the theme Trash and Concepts of Sustainability, that are themesextremely important to be discussed in Science classes. Thestudy was conductedin a public municipal school in the city of Natal – Rio Grande do Norte– Brazil, with students of the 9th year of Elementary School II. The objectives included developing an didactic approach to discuss trash, considering the impacts that it can cause to the school community. Quintas neighboorhood, where the research was conducted, havesignificant problems due to accumulation of waste in front and around the school. This research isan qualitative and descriptive analysis. The data summarized here was collected by questionnaires,interviews and a field diary. The results of the questionnaires showed that the majority of the students didn’t know the meaning of sustainability and that problems related to accumulation of trash were rarely discussed. During the teaching pedagogical actions it was possible to perceive the enthusiasm and that the students started to share the ideas discussed in class. In the interview, many residents of the neighborhood told about their worries about health problems that are closely related to waste accumulation. The interview was made by the students with local residents, and this activity showed that the students seemed to be more motivated by the spirit of autonomy when they were out in the streets talking to residents. In the field diary, were recorded observations of what they heard and it was perceptible how much the students recognized this approach very innovative, discussing an local problem in a Science class. Lastly, we emphasize the necessity of talking about subjects related to the environment with the intention of inducing the student to develop environmental consciousness and have responsible postures related to the place that they are living.