Environmental Education in Basic Education: The Context of Water Resources Management
Environmental Education; Water Resources Management; Active Methodologies; Urban Watersheds.
The degradation of water resources in urban watersheds requires educational approaches that promote awareness and the sustainable use of water. This master's research project aimed to foster Environmental Education at the high school level by using active methodologies to integrate theory and practice, with a focus on the Pitimbu River watershed in the metropolitan region of Natal, RN, Brazil. The research was conducted at Dom Nivaldo Monte State School, adopting a mixed-methods approach, and was structured into three stages: (i) theoretical activities on hydrography and the hydrological cycle; (ii) field activities, including visits to the main water source (Jiqui Lagoon) and the Jiqui Water Treatment Plant; and (iii) the development of educational products by the students. The PDCA cycle was used as a methodological strategy to plan, implement, monitor, and improve the activities throughout the research. The evaluation involved the application and analysis of pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. The results indicate that the approach contributed to strengthening environmental education in the school context and to enhancing students’ understanding of water resources management, demonstrating potential to encourage greater community participation.