A formação inicial de professores de química ambiental na perspectiva da educação ambiental crítica

Abstract

The Environmental Chemistry discipline, offered in undergraduate Chemistry degree programs, addresses chemical processes and natural phenomena caused, or not, by human actions, as well as ways to reduce environmental impacts. The main challenge universities face in presenting environmental themes is to foster the formation of critical individuals who comprehend the complexity of the human-nature relationship in the face of environmental crises. In this regard, this study investigates critical approaches to Environmental Education through the documentary analysis of the syllabi of Chemistry undergraduate courses in thirteen (13) public universities, assessing the importance of Critical Environmental Education in the context of teacher training. From the documentary analysis of the syllabi, the presence of themes such as soil chemistry, atmosphere, water treatment, global warming, greenhouse effect, water pollution, air and soil pollution, and environmental legislation was evident. No syllabus addressed topics such as studies on non-natural phenomena, social aspects in interpreting the world, ways to intervene in reality, and existence in nature. From the perspective of critical environmental education, universities must address the demands and challenges of contemporary society and contribute to the construction of a sustainable society. This action can be enhanced and realized through the continuous improvement of the initial training of chemistry teachers, including the integration of interdisciplinary approaches, the promotion of innovative pedagogical practices, and the encouragement of applied research in Environmental Education. Furthermore, it is crucial to foster partnerships between higher education institutions, government bodies, and civil society, aiming at the creation of educational strategies that not only develop technical skills but also cultivate values and sustainable attitudes in future educators, enabling them to play an active role in building a critical environmental awareness and promoting ecologically responsible practices in their future teaching careers.