Uso de ferramenta digital (website) para divulgar o conhecimento sobre macroalgas na educação básica

Abstract

Benthic marine macroalgae comprise a very diverse group of photosynthetic aquatic organisms and are considered one of the most important marine natural resources, with great ecological importance and economic potential. However, the study of macroalgae has not received the attention commensurate with its relevance in educational systems, which has contributed to botanical ignorance on the part of the general population, who are unaware of its importance and often treat it as trash. This study proposed to create a digital tool, a website, to help disseminate knowledge about macroalgae in the context of basic education. The proposal arises from the need to overcome gaps in the teaching of botany and, more specifically, phycology, an area still little addressed in schools. Information on the collection, processing and identification of macroalgae, as well as the phytoflora of the Piauí coast, was obtained from a specific theoretical framework and from herborized specimens stored in the Botany Laboratory of the Federal Institute of Piauí, which supported the construction of the website algaspi.com, containing content on the diversity, ecological and economic importance of macroalgae, in addition to interactive activities such as educational games. The resource was presented to teachers from two public schools in the municipality of União - Piauí, who used the page as a methodological tool in the application of Botany content, with students who demonstrated motivation, interest and understanding of the subject. It is concluded that the use of virtual environments as a pedagogical tool can favor access to scientific knowledge and strengthen the critical and investigative training of basic education students