Etnobotânica em uma perspectiva investigativa: valorizando o ensino-aprendizagem em Botânica

Abstract

Plants play an immeasurable role in life on Earth. They purify the air, feed living beings, and help treat various diseases. Their benefits go beyond the limits of human knowledge. However, despite these organisms being responsible for maintaining environmental balance and sustaining different life forms, they have not aroused the due interest in students in getting to know them in their different aspects. This study aimed to develop a Didactic Sequence with investigative activities, with the purpose of bringing students closer to plants and the culture that involves the cultivation and use of these beings, as well as expanding students' knowledge about the benefits they provide, so that they understand the importance of knowing and delving into botanical content. This research has a qualitative approach, with a focus on participatory observation, and its target audience was 32 students from the 1st year of high school at the Second Military Police College Coronel Hervano Macêdo Júnior (2nd CPMCHMJ) in the 2024 school year: The activities of the Investigative Didactic Sequence (SDI) involved theoretical and practical activities, using active methodologies and investigative research. The practical classes were held in various locations, such as the gardens and surroundings of the school, where the students observed the existing plants, and at the Timbaúbas Ecological Park, during a field lesson in a conservation reserve; in the science lab, where a playful activity helped students identify plant parts and their adaptations to natural environments, as well as observe the reproductive structures of hibiscus flowers under a stereoscope; and in the computer lab. In addition, field research was conducted to explore ethnobotanical culture. The investigative activities were carried out in teams, with students participating actively and reflectively. They conducted field and bibliographic research, collected, surveyed, and analyzed data; created the blog "Ethnobotany of Cariri Cearense" and designed artwork for an educational guide with the goal of presenting the ten most frequently mentioned plant species in the research. According to the questionnaire responses, the main motivation for practicing ethnobotany was personal appreciation and enjoyment. A total of forty-s plant species were mentioned, including food, ornamental, medicinal, and spiritual plants. The development of these activities increased students’ interest in the topic, raised awareness of plant benefits, and promoted the appreciation of plants and ethnobotanical culture, resulting in meaningful learning. As an educational product of this research, a didactic guide was created to share the developed IDS and highlight the ten species that, according to the research, represent the Ethnobotany of Cariri Cearense. The guide also aims to encourage other teachers and students to carry out investigative research, with a focus on valuing plant life and, consequently, enhancing the teaching and learning of this biological topic.