ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS: ANALYSIS OF PROJECTS AND RESULTS

Abstract

This article examines the implementation of environmental education projects in Brazilian public schools, analyzing the challenges, practices, and results of these initiatives within the school context. Using a qualitative approach, questionnaires were administered to teachers and students in both elementary and high school to identify perceptions, obstacles, and the impacts of environmental projects on daily school life. The results underscore the importance of environmental education for fostering sustainable attitudes and behaviors, while revealing significant structural weaknesses such as lack of resources, insufficient curriculum time, and inadequate teacher training. The study finds that although ongoing and interdisciplinary projects encourage greater student engagement, current practices are often limited to occasional actions and face institutionalization challenges. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for investment in public policies, continuous teacher training, and the effective integration of environmental topics into the curriculum, thus positioning the school as a central agent in promoting sustainability.