Compreensão do saneamento básico através da fotografia com alunos do ensino médio técnico do IFRN Campus Natal Central

Abstract

This paper presents the use of photography in Geography teaching, in elementary school classes in the final years, as a didactic and methodological resource in the classroom, which can promote environmental awareness about the importance of basic sanitation as a constitutional public right. In Rio Grande do Norte, for example, the poor sanitation system affects most neighborhoods and communities, both in rural and urban areas, particularly in the capital of Rio Grande do Norte and its immediate surroundings. The aim of this work is to evaluate the use of photography as a didactic resource for understanding basic sanitation in Geography teaching, in integrated technical classes at IFRN-Campus Natal Central. The methodology is qualitative and exploratory and was divided into three stages: literature review, intervention in the classes and proposition of the activity in selected neighborhoods of Natal and Parnamirim, in the Metropolitan Region of Natal (RMN), for field studies. 80 students took part, divided into 19 groups, who used digital cameras and smartphones to record images related to basic sanitation. In the final stage, a questionnaire was applied via Google Forms to assess the subjective perceptions of the students and the effectiveness of the methodology used. The results show that the students demonstrated a critical and proactive view of the challenges of basic sanitation in their communities. In addition, there was a strong call for greater government involvement in public investments, indicating that the students recognize the need for effective policies to solve structural problems. The results show that students not only understand the importance of basic sanitation, but are also engaged in proposing improvements that benefit the entire community, demonstrating critical awareness and social responsibility.