EXPLORING THE CERRADO BIOME: CONTEXTUALIZED APPROACHES IN ECOLOGY TEACHING

Considering that the school plays a fundamental role in the formation of more critical and reflective citizens in relation to the environment, this study aimed to investigate the perception of the Cerrado Biome by 33 first-year high school students studying Biology at a state school. in the municipality of Caldas Novas, Goias. As data collection instruments, we used a semi-structured questionnaire, following Bardin's content analysis, and participant observation, through records in a field diary. The results reveal a somewhat romantic and simplistic perception of the Cerrado on the part of students. Given this, the need to expand proposals related to environmental conservation and preservation in schools is evident, with the main objective of awakening students' interest and making them aware of the importance of adopting conservation measures.