A experimentação em eletroquímica como estratégia pedagógica para contribuir na formação do pensamento sustentável no ensino médio

Abstract

The improper disposal of batteries is a major environmental issue, with direct impacts on public health and the environment. It is estimated that more than 20 thousand tons of batteries and accumulators are improperly discarded annually in Brazil. This type of improper disposal is one of the main sources of environmental pollution and poses serious risks to human health, especially in urban areas and vulnerable communities. The study focuses on the city of Maricá, where the environmental impact caused by improperly discarded batteries is analyzed, as well as the consequences for public health, considering the release of heavy metals. The research also emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability and environmental education topics into high school chemistry teaching, through classroom experiments using recyclable materials from discarded batteries. The experiments were designed to promote playful and interactive lessons, where students could observe, in practice, the chemical and physical processes related to the disposal and recycling of batteries. These activities stimulated the dissemination of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 12 and 13, connecting the curriculum content with global sustainability and environmental responsibility issues. The work presents an innovative methodology, as in addition to practical lessons in a school located in Maricá, the electrochemical effects of improper battery disposal in saline solutions were observed, highlighting the environmental impacts and promoting critical reflection on the life cycle of these materials. The dissertation concludes that the use of practical experimentation is an effective strategy to integrate environmental education into chemistry teaching, raising awareness among students about the need for responsible attitudes regarding battery disposal and environmental care.