Ensino de botânica: utilização das plantas medicinais nas estratégias de aprendizagem dos estudantes da educação básica

Abstract

The relationship between humans and plants is historical, with plants playing a crucial role in subsistence, especially for medicinal purposes. Over time, the botanical study has evolved, revealing the richness of medicinal plants in Brazil and worldwide, yet contemporary youth show a diminishing interest in this knowledge. Therefore, it is important to revive the tradition of using medicinal plants. This study aims to promote botanical education, stimulate student interest, and preserve the cultural connection with plants. Biology education in Brazilian high schools transitioned from a fragmented approach in the 1950s to a more integrated one in the 1960s, influenced by scientific advancements and educational changes. In the 1970s, biology was deemed crucial for professional development. Currently, education faces challenges, often being traditional and theoretical. In botany, teachers tend to favor zoology, making plant education complex and uninteresting. Strategies such as inquiry-based learning and student protagonism are proposed to revitalize interest, utilizing medicinal plants as tools. The use of medicinal plants has a connection with cultural tradition. This work aimed to promote plant knowledge, focusing on morphological structures and highlighting medicinal plants, addressing therapeutic benefits. Objectives included recognizing structures, classifying into botanical families, exploring medicinal properties, and encouraging meaningful learning. The research type used was quanti-qualitative. The study took place at the State High School Cônego Luiz Gonzaga de Oliveira in João Pessoa, Paraíba. As a public school funded by the state government, it plays a vital role in the local community. The target audience was the second year of high school. The research aimed to integrate botanical knowledge with the general competencies established by the National Curriculum Base. The research was presented to school managers and students after ethical approval. After reviewing botanical content, didactic workshops were conducted, aiming to explore students' prior knowledge and promote practical and interactive learning. Students learned about medicinal plants and active principles, exploring the cultural tradition of using these plants. They engaged in practical activities, identifying plant parts and discussing the concentration of active principles. The research sought to impact understanding, promoting investigative learning. The holistic approach connected botany, cultural tradition, and well-being, arousing students' interest and enriching knowledge in a practical and relevant manner.