INSECTS AS PEDAGOGICAL TOOL: FOCUS ON SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN NON-FORMAL CONTEXTS

Abstract

This article presents the activity “Insect Observation,” carried out at the Researcher Apprentice Center (CAP), a non-formal education space located in the municipality of Cubatão. The objective of the activity is to provide students from various educational levels with practical investigative experiences, sparking curiosity and encouraging critical thinking through the observation and identification of insects. The methodology employed includes detailed observation of entomological specimens, the application of investigative skills in practice, and data recording on analysis sheets. The results indicate that the activity contributes to students’ scientific literacy, helping to correct misconceptions and relate the acquired knowledge to everyday situations. Furthermore, the experience highlights the importance of science communication spaces, such as the CAP, in supporting science education, especially in contexts where there is a lack of active methodologies in schools. This underscores the value of practical and investigative activities for the development of scientific knowledge and for shaping students who are more engaged and interested in science.