RHIZOPHORA MANGLE, CAPIXABA CLAY POT AND CHEMISTRY: EDUCATIONAL ACTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Rhizophora mangle (R. mangle), a typical mangrove plant, plays a relevant socio-environmental role for communities around the ecosystem. In Espírito Santo, the bark of the plant is used in the making of the Espírito Santo clay pot by the Paneleiras de Goiabeiras, a cultural symbol of the state. In other places around the world, people report its use for medicinal purposes, due to its chemical composition, rich in antioxidants. In this way, this context was used as a reference for the application of chemical knowledge covered in analytical chemistry IV, of the bachelor's degree in chemistry, at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (Ufes). The didactic strategy was conducted in light of Problem Resolution Based Learning (PRBL). The students got to know the plant in the mangrove forest up close and how it is used as raw material in making clay pots. In the chemistry laboratory, they used the analytical techniques discussed in the course to determine the total antioxidant capacity of extracts from the bark of R. mangle. The students carried out an action to publicize the results, based on the following purpose: how can chemistry bring scientific information and contributions to Paneleiras and society? Based on Bardin's content analysis combined with the Iramuteq® software, it was possible to discuss and show graphically how the context of R. mangle and clay pot was related to the chemical knowledge used in chemistry teaching. Furthermore, the work also brought evidence and reflections on the interrelationships between society, the natural environment, and education aimed at sustainable development.