Learning possibilities in science within non-school spaces of markets and fairs in the Amazon

Abstract

The objective of this research was to understand the narratives of participants in non-formal spaces as a way to explain scientific concepts and apply them in the teaching-learning process. We employed a post-critical approach in education, which allowed us to plan, record, evaluate, and revise our actions and inquiries. We used audio-recorded interviews as a data collection instrument. Through the statements of the workers at the fair and market, we were able to understand how it is possible to develop pedagogical practices in the teaching of sciences in non-formal spaces. The results of this research highlight the possibility of contributing to the field of science education with pedagogical practices that value popular knowledge in the Amazon region. The workers recognized their workspaces as a tool for acquiring knowledge, whether formal or informal. They were able to perceive and identify how science circulates among the aromas, flavors, and smells in markets and fairs. These results reveal the possibility of developing new practices for science education in non-formal spaces, providing a more enjoyable and less fragmented experience.