Caça à planta: uma estratégia lúdica para o ensino de botânica no ensino médio

Abstract

The teaching of Botany in schools is of utmost importance, as it allows students to understand the diversity of the plant kingdom and its fundamental role in maintaining environmental balance. Additionally, it provides knowledge about plant physiology, ecology, and interactions with other organisms. This study aims to evaluate how the interactive game, titled "Plant Hunt,"aids in teaching botany in high school by integrating theoretical knowledge with the practical observation of plants in the school environment. To achieve this, a qualitative research approach was adopted, using questionnaires with mixed questions for data collection to analyze the impact of playful strategies and practical classes in plant biology on the learning process of a second-year high school class from a public school in Fortaleza-CE. The analysis of the results revealed that the "Plant Hunt"activity sparked students’ interest in botany, expanding their perception of the plants in their school environment. Initially, many reported not observing or recognizing the plant species around them, but after the activity, they demonstrated greater engagement, mentioning scientific names and phenotypic characteristics. The playful approach proved effective in promoting meaningful learning, making students active participants in the process. The results highlight the importance of active methodologies in science education, encouraging curiosity and appreciation of local flora.