SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE EARLY GRADES OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN THE DOM INOCÊNCIO MUNICIPAL SCHOOL SYSTEM: CHALLENGES, PROSPECTS, AND NON-FORMAL SETTINGS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges, perspectives, and role of non-formal settings in science education during the early years of elementary school in the municipal school system of Dom Inocêncio, Piauí. This was a qualitative study, and data were collected using a Google Forms survey, in which seven teachers participated. The survey was divided into four sections: Personal and Professional Information; Challenges in Science Education; Pedagogical Perspectives; and Non-Formal Learning Spaces. The data indicate that teachers understand that non-formal learning spaces are important for students’ development, but not all of them incorporate these spaces into their pedagogical practices. The data also point to an urgent need for the school system to offer continuing professional development to teachers who teach science in the early elementary grades.