Trilha na Praça do Museu (Praça Adolfo Fonseca, Uberlândia - MG): Mapeamento Vegetal para estímulo à percepção botânica de estudantes da Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA)

Abstract

The botanical imperception is a concerning issue in contemporary society, in which people are disconnected from nature and lack knowledge about plants. This problem is a result of various factors, such as rapid urbanization, unbridled technological lifestyles and a lack of adequate environmental education. As a result, there are negative consequences for human health, the environment and education. Botanical imperception prevents people from recognizing and valuing the diversity of plants around them, ignoring medicinal, nutritional, and ecological benefits. In this context, the aim of this work was to develop an educational product consisting of a botanical mapping application and digital trail of Adolfo Fonseca Square, located around the Escola Estadual de Uberlândia (Museu), to investigate its contributions to botanical perception and environmental education for 2nd-year high school students in the EJA. Therefore, the research was divided into four main stages: identification of botanical species in the Square; production of digital mapping and development of the application botanical trail of the Square; implementation of the pedagogical action with the educational product; and evaluation of the product by the students. In addition, botanical identification plaques with popular and scientific names were placed on the plants in the Square, as well, QR codes that directed access to digital sheets containing information about the plants on the trail. As a result, it can be affirmed that the use of the application by the students stimulated their botanical perception and contributed to environmental education. These results highlight the relevance of proposals that interconnect the teaching of Botany with the use of digital technologies and geolocation in practical activities carried out in non-formal education spaces.