Explorando os ecossistemas: a utilização de terrários como ferramenta interativa no processo de ensino-aprendizagem no Instituto Federal do Piauí – Campus Floriano

Abstract

Ecology is a branch of Biology that plays a fundamental role in the formation of conscious individuals and should be taught from the early years of Basic Education. However, many students have difficulty understanding its contents. In this context, the use of teaching tools, such as closed terrariums, can contribute significantly to teaching and learning. The general objective of this study was to analyze the contributions of the use of closed terrariums to the acquisition of knowledge about ecosystems. The specific objectives were: to build closed terrariums to aid learning, to identify the processes involving biotic and abiotic factors within the terrariums, and to verify the knowledge acquired about ecosystems after the intervention. The research had a qualitative and quantitative approach, developed in four stages: 1) signing of the Free and Informed Consent Forms (FICF) and Free and Informed Assent Forms (TALE), 2) application of the pre-questionnaire, expository dialogued class and production of closed terrariums, 3) observation practice and 4) discussion circle and application of the post-questionnaire. The results indicated that, after the intervention, the students showed significant improvement in their understanding of the content, as demonstrated by the responses to the post-questionnaire. The class showed great participation in the activities, evidencing the engagement promoted by the methodology used. It is concluded, therefore, that terrariums are an efficient teaching strategy in the school environment, as they facilitate the understanding of the content and the development of essential skills. The use of these tools supports the teaching performance and serves as a subsidy for the implementation of other methodologies that can enhance the educational process on ecosystems.