Microrganismos como agentes de despoluição das águas: uma prática investigativa para educação de jovens e adultos

Abstract

The present work describes three distinct activities and a didactic sequence developed for young and adult students in high school focusing on environmental education, more specifically, on water cleaning processes bioremediated by microorganisms. According to the Brazilian Constitution of 1988, environmental education as part of basic education is assured by law (9.795/99; 6.938/81; LDB/97 and PCN/2000), as well as it is the access to education for young and adult people (Portuguese=EJA; law LDB/17). An investigative teaching, as presented in the PCN/2000 and NBCC/17 and studied by several researchers, should combine a clear identification of the problem with formulation of hypotheses, evaluation of the obtained results and eventually statement of conclusions on the topic. The importance of investigating microorganisms, as well as their relevance for habitat conservation, have been demonstrated in several scientific studies and highlighted in the PCN/2000 and BNCC/17. The aims of the present work were to (1) elaborate and apply practical investigative activities on the role microorganisms in water cleaning processes, (2) carry out a survey prior and after the developed activities, (3) perform a research on sewage treatment plant, (4) design a didactic sequence from the activities proposed, (5) stimulate the critical thinking of the students regarding the role of microorganisms in water cleaning processes and habitat conservation, and finally (6) visit a sewage treatment plant for practical purposes. For that, a survey was performed prior to the activities. Thereafter, the investigative and research activities were carried out, a post-activity survey was applied and the didactic sequence was designed. The obtained results show that the approach presented herein allows studies with investigative characteristics, substantially increases the knowledge of the students and favour their critical thinking and argumentation regarding the role of the microorganisms in water cleaning processes and habitat conservation. To conclude, the applied actions formed effective tools for understanding the importance of microscopic organisms for aquatic environments, and allowed for the development and consolidation of the knowledge, as well as the identification of possible gaps that remained after the study.