A compostagem de resíduos orgânicos como ferramenta pedagógica no ensino de ciências ambientais na Amazônia

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the composting of organic waste as a pedagogical tool for teaching Environmental Sciences in the Amazonian school context. Specifically, the objectives were to develop a pedagogical intervention based on school composting, implement educational composting systems, and analyze their contributions to environmental education and the teaching of Environmental Sciences. The study was conducted at Lauro Sodré State Elementary and High School, located in Belém, Pará, Brazil, involving students, teachers, and cafeteria staff in activities focused on environmental education and the sustainable management of organic waste. This research adopted a qualitative-quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach and was carried out through a pedagogical intervention based on the Three Pedagogical Moments Methodology. The activities included educational workshops, practical composting activities, the construction and use of school composting systems, questionnaires, and participant observation. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were interpreted based on the records produced during the intervention. The results revealed a high level of acceptance of the pedagogical intervention and recognition of composting as an environmental education strategy, promoting awareness of food waste reduction, proper separation of organic waste, and the adoption of sustainable practices within the school environment. The intervention also strengthened the integration of theory and practice, contributing to the development of knowledge related to Environmental Sciences and sustainability. It is concluded that school composting is an effective pedagogical tool for promoting critical, participatory, and contextualized environmental education and has the potential to be replicated in other educational institutions throughout the Amazon region.