Analysis of a pedagogical practice for teaching Zoology in high School: building an entomological box

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to report and analyze a pedagogical practice for teaching Zoology based on the construction of entomological boxes developed in a state school in northern Paraná, Brazil. The class was divided into two parts: (i) the presentation and discussion of Arthropoda in the classroom; (ii) collecting animals in the school garden and the elaboration of entomological boxes. After the practice, the students answered an open questionnaire, and the answers were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. The results revealed that the practice had a significant impact on the students, increasing their motivation, interest, and curiosity. However, some students expressed negative feelings, such as fear and discomfort in relation to insects. Analysis of the responses indicated the importance of pedagogical approaches that are sensitive to students' individual emotions and reactions.