Interfaces entre arte e botânica: exsicatas artísticas (ExsicArte) como recurso didático no ensino de botânica para terceira idade

This study presents an artistic herbarium specimen-making workshop as a teaching resource at the Integrated University for Older Adults (UNITI/UFMA), grounded in active learning methodologies that value older adults’ active participation and cultural background. The methodology consisted of collecting and herborizing plant structures, followed by the creation of original artistic herbarium specimens through collages and drawings. The results demonstrated the engagement and autonomy of older adults in creating botanical compositions, as well as the application of knowledge related to the recognition and differentiation of plant structures, the use of botanical terminology, and the association of this knowledge with previous experiences and affective memories. Each artistic herbarium specimen carries symbolism linked to the students’ lived experiences, representing memories and identities while valuing personal and collective narratives. It is concluded that integrating different fields of knowledge into the teaching and learning of botany contributes to cognitive and social development, transforming scientific documentation into an object of social connection that respects and values the sensitivity and life histories of older adults.