O jenipapo na educação indígena: uma abordagem cultural e científica nas séries finais do ensino fundamental

Abstract

This monograph investigated the use of jenipapo in Indigenous education, adopting a cultural and scientific approach in the final years of elementary school. The main objective was to analyze the teaching methodologies of Indigenous teachers in Natural Sciences classes. The research also sought to integrate scientific knowledge with traditional knowledge about local flora, strengthen students’ cultural identity, and record the didactic tools used in field activities.çThe investigation, with a qualitative-quantitative nature, employed observation, questionnaires, and the analysis of pedagogical practices with students from 6th to 9th grade. The results revealed that students recognize jenipapo (Genipa americana) as a vital cultural element, mainly for its use in body painting and rituals. However, the analysis of textbooks highlighted the lack of articulation between scientific knowledge and traditional knowledge in classroom practices. It is concluded that valuing and integrating Indigenous knowledge into formal education can foster a more meaningful and contextualized learning process, strengthening the identity of Indigenous peoples.