THE EFFICACY OF THE EDUCATION PROJECT ZOOSCHOOL – THE ZOO OF SÃO PAULO AS INSTRUMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTS VALUES

Abstract

The educational project “The Zoo of São Paulo as an instrument to awaken environmental values” – the area of preservation and respect for life – ZOOCHOOL was established in 2010 by de Foundation of São Paulo Zoological Park (Zoo-SP) in Educational Units UEs) of the city with the participation of 32 schools from São Paulo Municipality, trough even districts as Campo Limpo, Ipiranga and Santo Amaro with the participation of 56 teachers and about 1542 students. The object of this project was enlarge discussion about environmental issues, by offering the Zoo-SP space as a teaching instrument to promote the discussion and comprehension of the environment and ambiental issues, biodiversity and respect to all forms of life. The base of this study was assess the efficacy of the used methodology and the role of the educator (a teacher), during the implantation of the project in his own school. Students had a theoric formation and the practical experience by monitored visit to private area of the zoo where animals receive care. They visited too the ecological paths inside the zoo known as Mata Atlântica. The evaluation was made by questions applied before and after the theorical classes. Other evaluation was made by questions after the practical experience. In conclusion, the "Zooschool" project  gave knowledge to the teachers about the topics and they became able to transmit and install the project in their schools.