Horta escolar no ensino de biologia: percepções e desafios na perspectiva da educação ambiental

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the contribution of the school garden as a system in developing students' critical view regarding contemporary issues related to environmental education and nature conservation. Through the conducted research, it sought to address environmental sustainability issues and principles of environmental preservation, including food production and the training of students to interpret primary issues such as the impacts caused by the relationship between humans and nature. The subjects were second-year high school students from Linda Salamuni Bacila State School, in the municipality of Ponta Grossa, state of Paraná. The methodology initially comprised a qualitative interventionist phase with data collection through observations, recordings, and questionnaires administered to the participants. In a second phase, quantitative analyses of the collected data were conducted using statistical standards for understanding. All procedures complied with the protocols required by the Research Ethics Committee. As an educational product, an application was proposed to assist in the development of gardens and school gardens. The research identified a concerning deficiency in environmental education in public schools, highlighting the need for updated public policies and ecological practices. It was found that only 28% of students had experience with school gardens during their education. The school garden, used as an educational tool, proved effective in enhancing students' understanding of the environment and sustainable practices, as well as improving eating habits. However, the lack of awareness and sense of belonging within the school community may jeopardize the continuity of these initiatives in the short term, given the variables imposed by the implementation of this type of educational equipment.