Os museus de ciência como territórios da educação ambiental: o caso do Museu de Ciências da Terra Alexis Dorofeef, Viçosa - MG

Abstract

This study was motivated during the graduation time, when I participated as an intern of the activities developed by the Museum of Soil Sciences Alexis Dorofeef. During this period, and among other possible highlights, it was possible to verify the increased importance and inclusion of non-formal education institutions in the current educational scenario. In this way, this work focused on Sciences Museums, which are spaces for research and education. Science Museums can also offer important contributions when considering about environmental issues and more specifically about Environmental Education. It was intended, along with the pathway followed by the qualitative research, to understand the educational dimension present in environmental education practices conducted by the Museum of Earth Sciences Alexis Dorofeef in Viçosa - MG. The results obtained with the research were jointly analysed with Maria da Glória Gohn, Paulo Freire, Isabel Carvalho, Maria das Mercês Vasconcellos, Mauro Guimarães, Maria Esther Valente, Marta Marandino, among others. In a general way, the study about the MCTAD (Museum of Soil Sciences Alexis Dorofeef) pointed out peculiar characteristics related to the Brazilian science museums. Situated in a small town, the Museum was characterized by the research and educational ties and the relationships established by it, mainly about valuing and collaboration. Valuing: because its actions are guided by the cultural and social valuing of individuals. Collaboration: because of the establishment of partnerships and collective work with the community where it is inserted. Its uniqueness is not present only in the creation of these ties and relationships, but also by the influence it establishes in the life of this population that recognizes the Museum as a space for training and dissemination of knowledge. Thus, as from the reflections resulted by this work, we aspire that further researches brings more contributions for this issue, because only through interaction with other studies, other perspectives, and with different realities we can get a better comprehension of the processes held by these institutions.