Plantas medicinais no contexto escolar: percepções e conhecimentos de alunos do Ensino Médio em Uruçuí (PI)

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the knowledge and perception of high school students from a public school in the city of Uruçuí, in the state of Piauí, about medicinal plants. The aim was to understand whether this topic is addressed in the classroom, whether it is present in projects or other school activities, and the importance attributed to this topic by students. The research was developed using a qualitative and quantitative approach, through the application of a questionnaire containing open and closed questions. Fifty-nine students participated in the research and all of them stated that they knew about medicinal plants, with their family being the main source of this knowledge. Most reported using or having used medicinal plants to treat illnesses, especially flu and stomach aches. It was also found that many grow these plants at home. Despite this, the school was rarely mentioned as a place for learning about the topic. Most students consider it important that medicinal plants be discussed in the classroom, highlighting their practical usefulness and cultural relevance. It is concluded that there is a need to include this knowledge in the school context more effectively, contributing to the appreciation of traditional knowledge