Fitocosméticos como ferramenta para o ensino de ecologia

Abstract

This study addresses the application of phytocosmetics in ecology teaching, examining how natural products derived from plants can be integrated into the school context to promote meaningful learning. Thus, this work sought to investigate and compare the effectiveness of the use of phytocosmetics as a pedagogical tool in ecology teaching, in contrast to the conventional use of textbooks, analyzing the effect of this new teaching strategy on engagement, motivation and retention of knowledge, in order to assist in the captivating learning of students. The study was organized in three main stages: the analysis of textbooks, focusing on the chapters related to ecology; the production of an educational booklet, with phytocosmetics as the main focus; and the presentation of the booklet to high school students, together with a form to understand the students' conception of the booklet. From the analysis of the books, it was possible to observe the lack of the phytocosmetics theme and the identification of restricted approaches within ecology teaching, while the use of the booklet proved to be a significant method both in learning and in student engagement. It is concluded that phytocosmetics constitute an innovative and effective approach in teaching ecology, and can integrate pedagogical strategies that develop an active and conscious education.