Geoeducation for sustainable rural development: Enhancing environmental literacy through geoscience learning in Guaca, Santander (Colombia)

This study explores the role of geoeducation in promoting sustainable rural development by enhancing environmental literacy and scientific interest among primary school students in Guaca, Santander (Colombia). As part of a rural education initiative, the project applied contextualized teaching strategies at the Santa Ana branch of the Instituto Agrícola Nuestra Señora del Socorro to improve geoscience understanding and correct misconceptions. A diagnostic asessment identified students' prior understanding, which informed the design of activities such as practical experiments, didactic guides, models, videos, analogies, and educational games. These strategies, grounded in a constructivist and participatory approach, aimed to strengthen conceptual understanding and motivate students through active and inclusive learning. Final evaluations demonstrated significant improvements in comprehension, reduced misconceptions, and increased engagement with scientific and environmental topics. The findings highlight the potential of geoeducation to enrich science learning while contributing to environmental awareness and sustainable practices in rural communities.