Das nascentes de um rio às nascentes de uma educação: relato de uma experiência sobre o rio goiamunduba, Bananeiras-Paraíba

Abstract

Urban spaces have gradually replaced the natural environment, while natural resources are continually altered, modified or even destroyed by human activities. Water and other elements vital to human beings, as well as the planet's biodiversity, suffer the negative impacts of these actions. This project's main objective is to promote awareness among students at Escola Normal Estadual Professor Pedro Augusto de Almeida through Environmental Education. Held among the public aged between 15 and..., from February to May 2024, the project combines efforts and experiences with local residents, teachers and other partner entities. We highlight the importance of the 'Gruta da Paula' springs in the Municipality of Bananeiras, PB, for the ecosystem services they offer to local biological diversity and to the city in general. The methodology used consisted of field research with a qualitative approach, aiming to analyze adolescents' understanding of environmental education, focusing on springs and the ecological relationships that surround them. Lectures, distribution of educational materials, site visits, interviews and specific Environmental Education classes were held.Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and discussed in light of studies on environmental education, whose concepts are essential for the conservation of springs and their adequate management. As a result, we recognized the need to develop activities closer to the springs, integrating this theme more deeply into classrooms and encouraging greater participation fromresidents and institutions focused on their preservation.The results indicated an evolution in students' understanding of environmental education, highlighting their capacity for conceptual expression. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the awareness raised generated concerns about springs, local fauna and flora, as well as human actions that affect the environment. This highlights the importance of frequently integrating environmental education actions into school spaces.