Polinizando saberes: uma cartilha educativa sobre abelhas nativas como ferramenta para o ensino de educação ambiental

Abstract

Native bees play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity and providing ecosystem services, especially through the pollination of native and cultivated plant species. However, the decline in their populations due to factors such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and the indiscriminate use of pesticides highlights the need for initiatives focused on environmental education and scientific outreach. In this context, the objective of this study was to develop an educational booklet on Brazil’s native bees, with the aim of contributing to science education and raising awareness about the conservation of these pollinators. The research is qualitative in nature, applied in scope, and employs a bibliographic approach, drawing on specialized literature on native bees, pollination, environmental education, and teaching resources. Based on the information gathered, the booklet “Native Bees: Guardians of Brazilian Biomes” was produced. Written in accessible language and illustrated, it addresses bee diversity, their ecological importance, the pollination process, examples of species, conservation strategies, environmental education, recreational activities, and recommendations for places to visit, such as meliponary sites. In addition, the material was contextualized within the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC), highlighting its applicability as a pedagogical resource in science education and environmental education initiatives. It is concluded that the booklet has the potential to promote scientific literacy, spark students’ interest in the conservation of native bees, and support interdisciplinary teaching practices aimed at valuing biodiversity and sustainability.