FROM CAVES TO THE CLASSROOM: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATIONAL PROPOSAL IN KARST AREAS OF THE AMAZON, MINAS GERAIS, AND RIO GRANDE DO NORTE

• Grant number: 25/08497-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences
• Principal Investigator: Denise de La Corte Bacci Toledo
• Grantee: Daniel de Stefano Menin
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Education is recognized as playing a fundamental role in preparing citizens to face environmental crises. The conservation of ecosystems depends on the understanding of biodiversity and geodiversity as interdependent elements, combined with effective protection measures. Although theoretical advances have been made, many authors highlight the lack of practical actions at different scales. Schools, as spaces for critical and civic education, are strategic environments to promote change in favor of conservation, especially in regions with significant natural heritage. In this context, interdisciplinarity is essential for an integrated approach to the environment, while Place-Based Education (PBE) strengthens the sense of belonging and the appreciation of territory, in addition to facilitating the dissemination of scientific knowledge within communities. This project proposes to expand an educational experience applied in the Alto Vale do Ribeira region (Menin, 2024) to other areas with relevant speleological heritage: the Amazon, northern Minas Gerais, and the hinterlands of Rio Grande do Norte. The proposal is grounded in critical environmental education, social learning, and PBE, in alignment with the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The expected outcomes include promoting more meaningful learning through knowledge of place - including traditional knowledge - generating comparative data across different contexts and enabling exchange between schools and universities. The project aims to contribute new insights into PBE, interdisciplinarity, and speleological heritage in Brazil.