Analysis of environmental perceptions and knowledge of some concepts concerning the sources of rivers revealed by young people and adults in a school in the city of Ouro Preto, MG

Abstract

It is known that the study of perception relating human beings and environment can promote a use more sustainable of environmental resources. This study investigated the environmental perceptions and knowledge of some concepts of Natural Sciences related to springs of rivers. For the collection of data a questionnaire structuralized was applied of rivers revealed by youth and adult students of basic education (Youngster and Adult education Program) of a public school from the town of Ouro Preto (MG). For the collection of data a questionnaire structuralized was applied by teacher of the class. 50 students were investigated. The results point the predominance of responses little elaborated on the definition, importance and consequences of the destruction of springs of rivers, and these responses are sometimes linked to personal experience, since most of the authors of those were older, sometimes not. In addition, was observed many answers of character “utilitarian”, which show an anthropocentric approach, in which students interpret the springs of rivers as a supplier of resources for humans. We conclude that it is necessary to develop environmental education in the education of young people and adults and to give greater attention to the issue on the springs of rivers in the school context, aiming at the preservation of these systems.