Promoting pro-environmental practices about trees in children using infrared thermography technology

Abstract

Humankind is concerned with sustainability issues, to which science education must be aware. Teaching science in this globalised world requires teaching strategies to prepare children for environmental citizenship. The teaching of tools for decision-making regarding pro-environment practices about trees is deeply linked to sustainable society building process. Under this approach, a study was developed with a group of Portuguese children attending the 3rd year of elementary school. It was about the didactic potential of thermograms from infrared technology. The thermograms were applied in conceptual learning. It was intended to link attitudinal behaviour to tree protection. This is a qualitative research-action approach. The results obtained at the moment reveal the potential of this technology as a promising didactic resource in the construction of pro-environmental attitudes in children. It showed the need to consider its application in a broader way, specifically to the teaching of sciences for environmental citizenship.