ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL CONTEXT: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT ON THE USE OF RECYCLABLE MATERIALS

Abstract

This article presents an experience report developed in a school context, with the aim of promoting environmental awareness and the development of sustainable practices. The experience was carried out with first-year students from a public school located in the municipality of Limoeiro, who were organized into groups responsible for developing creative projects using recyclable materials, such as clothing, games, artwork, toys, and decorative objects. At the end of the activities, the students answered a questionnaire applied in trios and groups, and the responses were analyzed based on the content analysis proposed by Bardin (2008), with an emphasis on categorization. The results indicate that the activities developed in the elective subject of Environmental Education contributed to the development of a critical understanding of the relationships between nature and society, allowing the identification of four categories: environmental awareness and preservation; recycling and reuse of materials; meaningful learning and the development of creativity; and teamwork and overcoming difficulties. It is concluded that Environmental Education, when associated with collaborative and reflective practices, contributes to the formation of more responsible and sustainability-committed individuals, extending beyond the school environment.