CHALLENGES IN APPLYING SCIENCE AND BIOLOGY LABORATORY PRACTICES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Abstract

This article sought to investigate the challenges in applying science and biology laboratory practices in Brazilian public schools, highlighting the importance of active methodologies to promote meaningful learning. Through a literature review covering the period from 2019 to 2024, the main obstacles faced were analyzed, such as the lack of adequate infrastructure, the scarcity of teaching and technological resources, as well as the lack of continuous teacher training. The results indicate that the lack of equipped laboratories compromises practical learning and that the lack of educational technologies prevents innovations in teaching. However, the use of active methodologies, such as problem-based learning and guided investigations, shows promise in overcoming these difficulties, provided that teachers are properly trained. The conclusion is that, in order to overcome these challenges, it is necessary to invest in school infrastructure, in the ongoing training of educators and in the adoption of educational technologies, in order to guarantee a more inclusive and effective science and biology education in public schools.