Alfabetização científica por meio da aprendizagem baseada em problemas com enfoque na ocorrência e consequências dos microplásticos no meio ambiente

Scientific literacy is essential for students to develop skills and knowledge that enable them to understand scientific concepts, enabling them to make science-based decisions and critically participate in science-related issues.In this context, a topic of growing concern is microplastics, one of the greatest contemporary environmental challenges.Microplastics are classified as tiny fragments, resulting from the degradation of larger plastics, which are present in various environments.Consequently, the widespread and persistent presence of these microplastics causes negative impacts on the environment, which reinforces the importance of promoting scientific literacy on this topic.Given the relevance of the theme, the present research aims to "Investigate the potential of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodology, to promote scientific literacy among students in the 3rd grade of High School, from a school in the countryside of the state of So Paulo, with a focus on microplastics".The methodology adopted is classified as a mixed approach, with exploratory objectives, and is designed as a case study.The instruments used for data collection were group discussions, seminars, Comics (HQ), science fair and questionnaires to collect relevant information about students' understanding of microplastics.Thus, the data analysis was conducted through quantitative and qualitative techniques in order to identify patterns and insights that contributed to the development of students' scientific literacy.Based on the results obtained, we infer that the purpose of the investigation was achieved, since the students developed a more critical and updated stance on the topic of microplastics and their effects on the environment.In conclusion, the results of this study point to the effectiveness of PBL in promoting students' scientific literacy regarding to microplastics.Although significant advances have been observed, the need to provide interdisciplinarity between different areas of knowledge remains a challenge to be faced in the educational context.As for the educational product resulting from the research, a Comics (HQ) was prepared to teach the theme of microplastics to high school students.