SCHOOL GARDENS AS A STRATEGIC IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND CULTURAL IDENTIFY IN A RURAL SCHOOL THE MUNICIPALITY OF PORTEL, MARAJÓ MESOREGION

This study corresponds to an Environmental Education practice at the Adelson Fernandes Municipal Elementary School, located in the Bom Remédio Community in the municipality of Portel-Pará, in the Marajó Mesoregion. Its objective was to raise awareness and develop critical thinking and citizenship skills in children aged 6 to 11 regarding socio-environmental issues such as sustainability, agroecological food, and improving quality of life. The methodological practice was characterized as an innovative and meaningful learning method by highlighting the importance of healthy, sustainable, and responsible consumption through the use of a school garden. This non-formal educational tool allowed these elementary school students to take the lead through experiences and the construction of systematized and interdisciplinary knowledge to foster socio-environmental awareness. Prior to this, lectures were held on topics related to the environment and agroecological management. Finally, a questionnaire was administered to the students, and the results demonstrated the importance of family farming for sustainability. It was concluded that the school garden represented a strategic element for the preservation of the exuberant and valuable marajoara culture, nutritional balance, and environmental conservation, guaranteeing the future of future generations.