PRACTICE AND THEORY: CONNECTING KNOWLEDGE IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECT AT THE UFLA APPLICATION SCHOOL

Abstract

Pedagogical practices that promote reflection and questioning, combined with Brazilian legislation that provides for the inclusion of environmental education in a transversal and interdisciplinary manner in school curricula, are crucial for the formation of critical and conscious citizens about environmental issues. In this context, the extension project "Environmental Education in the Early Childhood Education Center (NEDI): Playing with Serious Things" was implemented at the Colégio de Aplicação da UFLA with the objective of raising awareness and engaging children aged 3 to 5 in sustainability practices. In 2021, educational activities were developed focused on important environmental dates, such as World Water Day, World Environment Day and World Soil Day. Using videos and booklets, conservation and sustainability practices were taught, with social media as the main means of communication due to the pandemic period. The following year, in-person activities were introduced, such as painting with earth colors and building a vegetable garden, connecting children with nature and teaching them about sustainable agriculture and artistic expression. During the pandemic, Instagram was an essential tool for promoting these initiatives, achieving broad engagement. The online and in-person activities sought to promote practical, interactive, and accessible environmental education, aiming to create a generation that is more aware and engaged with sustainability. The children not only learned about topics such as water and soil conservation, but also developed practical and social skills, such as patience, responsibility, and teamwork, in an ongoing effort to strengthen environmental education.