Educação ambiental e a percepção do solo no ensino médio: levantamento de projetos conduzidos nas escolas estaduais do município de Monteiro – PB.

Abstract

Soil is the natural resource that sustains life in its different aspects, but it is still the most widely known and valued component of ecosystems. Soil Education, inseparable from Environmental Education, can contribute to the formation of a critical citizen. There is an urgent need to promote pedological awareness, which must be worked on in the classroom, in all grades, in order to raise awareness of the connection of the real meaning of soil for life on the planet. The research aimed to carry out a survey of projects and activities related to Environmental Education with emphasis on soil, conducted by teachers from three high schools in the municipality of Monteiro (PB) and to verify their perception of the topic. The methodology started with the elaboration of a questionnaire organized in the Google Forms platform and sent via e-mail. A total of 32 questionnaires were sent out, but only 16 were returned; 46% were male, 47% female, and 7% did not identify themselves. Of this total, 45% have dedicated more than 14 years to the classroom. Regarding the perception survey, it was found that although there is a significant awareness of the importance of soil and the need for a more efficient approach to its different contents in the classroom, no project conducted with emphasis on soil was identified, and the teachers mentioned that they find among the difficulties the lack of didactic content and training in the area. The teachers recognize the importance of conducting Environmental Education projects in High School and show willingness in this demand, but allege difficulties with logistics and support. Of the research participants, 60% have already visited the CDSA/UFCG Soil Space, mentioning that these visits enhance the knowledge seen in the classroom. We highlight the innovative character of the actions of Soil Education developed in CDSA/UFCG as a support to classroom activities, such as the thematic workshops and the pedological trails, which can help students to understand a little of the importance of the soil-society relationship and to preserve and conserve soils.