ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AT A MUNICIPAL SCHOOL IN CAXINGO, PIAUI, BRAZIL

Environmental Education is an effective tool for the formation of citizens responsible for building and maintaining a balanced environment. Environmental perception is closely linked to culture, history, and contemporary experience of each individual. Environmental education is important of for student's general education and there is a need to redress the lack of information on key environmental problems and the impact that the environment can have on future generations. The aim of this study is therefore to analyze the environmental perception of elementary school students a public school in the municipality of Caxingo, Piaui, and to verify how they comprehend the significance of the environment and recognize local environmental problems. The methodology was qualitative-quantitative and descriptive. We conducted a questionnaire with students from the 6th to the 9th grade in elementary school. 129 students were questioned, aged from 10 to 19 years old. The results showed a generally poor development of environmental awareness in students, reinforcing the need for further development of environmental education in the daily studies of students at school.