ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND THE ISSUE OF SOLID WASTE: PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS IN THE 9TH YEAR OF FUNDAMENTAL EDUCATION II AT ESCOLA MUNICIPAL ANTÔNIO PEREIRA FEITOSA – PORTO DA FOLHA/SE

Abstract

The objective of the article was to analyze the perception of students in the 9th year of Elementary School II at Escola Municipal Antônio Pereira Feitosa regarding the generation and disposal of solid waste, proposing actions that encourage them to active and reflective participation based on Environmental Education practices. The methodology was based on descriptive, exploratory and qualitative-quantitative research. To this end, the answers to the questionnaires applied to 9th year students were analyzed, simple observation and two Participatory Rapid Diagnosis workshops were carried out using the “problem tree” technique; and composting. The practices were intended to raise students' awareness of the importance of separating solid waste and present one of the forms of treatment. The results indicated that students changed their perception regarding waste and were able to relate theoretical knowledge with practice. Therefore, it is recommended that more Environmental Education actions/practices be developed in the school investigated. However, not just restricted to raising awareness, but rather promoting direct contact with the environmental problems experienced.