ENVIRONMENTAL INTERPRETATION WORKSHOP WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE “JATOBÁ TRAIL”, ILHA SOLTEIRA, SP

Abstract

Trails for interpretation of natural areas have been recommended in Environmental Education programs because they offer direct contact with the natural environment, addressing learning and consciousness. Despite the assumed effectiveness and the frequency with which they have been deployed, there are few studies that indicate their educational validity. The present study used the Trilha do Jatobá (Jatobá Trail) located in the CCFS-CESP (Center for Conservation of Wildlife) of Ilha Solteira-SP, Brazil as a tool for learning science content through interpretation of the landscape and its components. The activity goals were: 1. Evaluate the validity of the implementation of practical activities in the natural environment and 2. Check if this activity should be preceded by a lecture in order to be effective. The activity, which was divided into lecture and practice, was attended by 30 students in the 7th year of elementary school of a private school in Ilha Solteira, who integrated two groups of 15 people. One of the groups saw the lecture while the other made the trip up the trail and, after completing these activities, the groups were reversed. Three questionnaires were applied: 1st. To diagnose prior knowledge before beginning the activities; 2nd. After the lecture; 3rd. After the practical session (trail) to check the performance of students. The results showed that the activity was satisfactory to all students, emphasizing that those who attended the lecture before the trip up the trail had better use of the journey.

Key words: Trails for interpretation; Natural sciences; Environmental Education; Elementary Education.