INTERESSE DOS ESTUDANTES SOBRE OS TEMAS AMAZÔNICOS NA DISCIPLINA DE CIÊNCIAS DA NATUREZA

This study aimed to identify the Amazonian themes that most interest eighth-grade students at Escola Estadual Getúlio Vargas, in order to support the contextualization of the Natural Sciences curriculum. The qualitative and exploratory research unfolded in three stages: a socioeconomic questionnaire, identification of thematic interests, and the production of drawings representing students' perceptions. The qualitative analysis, based on visual categories, revealed student engagement with content related to the Amazonian reality. Most participants were between 13 and 14 years old, predominantly female, with parents holding education levels from high school to higher education. Family income ranged between one and two minimum wages, and 31% reported having more than ten non-school books at home. All students had internet access. The most frequently mentioned topics included climate change, lunar phases, and regional climate patterns. Students' interest was associated with personal curiosity and cultural relevance, both of which were evident in the visual representations. The findings highlight a strong connection between students and Amazonian environmental and cultural issues, emphasizing the value of participatory and creative methodologies in promoting meaningful learning.