Ecological Horticulture And Socio-Environmental Education: NEPEA actions at Goiás Military Police State College “Dr Tharsis Campos” - CEPMG in Catalão (GO)

Abstract

This paper talks about the interventions of NEPEA - Center for Studies, Research and Extension in Agroecology, at the Goiás State Military Police College “Dr Tharsis Campos” - CEPMG in Catalão (GO), through the action entitled: Ecological Horticulture Program. The program reverberates in actions aimed at Socio-Environmental Education, Ecological Horticulture, Agroecology, Disposal and Management of Solid and Organic Wastes and Preservation of Natural Resources. The objectives of the project were to promote Socio-Environmental Education in partnership with Basic Education specifically in Elementary Education II. The aim was to raise awareness among students and the entire school community about individual responsibility, awareness of environmental sustainability, resource conservation, forests and organic production, consumption of material goods, generation of household waste and the final disposal and disposal of discarded products. The relations of society and nature were emphasized, from a local to a global scale. In this way, encouraging students to rethink alternatives to the problem situations discussed / studied, allowing greater space for participation and the possibility of identifying solutions. The materials and methods used in the execution of the Program used qualitative, quantitative, bibliographic and experimental research tools, through theoretical-practical classes. The workshops were divided into modules with expository-dialogued classes, using didactic and technological resources, with a mix of images, videos and animations that made students aware of socio-environmental issues. In this process didactic materials were built for the formation of environmental awareness. The growing vegetables at school was also built. Among the results, the composting process was carried out on the ground and in recyclable containers such as PET bottles and 20 L gallons; school garden with compost in a cradle fed with the residues of the students' homes and the school itself for the generation of organic fertilizer – bio composite, this material will be used to grow vegetables in the school; nursery; 12 beds with different cultures such as: lettuce, coriander, sweet potatoes, carrots and radishes; elaboration of containers for the selective collection in the school and elaboration of posters as awareness for ecologically sustainable attitudes. It is concluded that the Program provided the development of real experiences that aroused the students' interest in successfully preserving the environment, through awareness, reflection and debates, enabling the community to understand attitudes that guarantee environmental sustainability.