PERCEPTION OF PLANT ANATOMY OF STUDENTS FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN ALTAMIRA, PA: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

The difficulty of teaching botany, intensified by botanical blindness, is a contemporary challenge, especially among students who do not recognize the local flora. The objective of this study was to verify the perception of plant anatomy by elementary and high school students from public schools in the municipality of Altamira, PA. Plant parts, such as seeds, leaves and wood, were collected and submitted to micro plant techniques to produce histotheca and anatomical cubes of the Amazonian flora. The material made was exhibited in four schools, accompanied by photographs and testimonies from the students. The results showed great curiosity from the students, who associated the samples with the plants of their daily lives, explored histological stains, manipulated microscopes and identified species present in their backyards. It is concluded that interactive didactic methodologies are important and effective to improve the perception of nature and highlights the need for public policies that improve school infrastructure and strengthen the connection between universities and public schools.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.041-044