CURRICULUM, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND SUSTAINABILITY: CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE INCLUSION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CURRICULUM COMPONENT IN THE MUNICIPAL EDUCATION NETWORK OF SÃO JOÃO DO ARRAIAL–PI

Abstract

The growing environmental challenges faced by contemporary society have highlighted the need for educational policies capable of fostering critical, participatory, and environmentally responsible citizens. In this context, the inclusion of Environmental Education within school curricula represents an important strategy for strengthening socio-environmental awareness and citizenship. This study aims to analyze the contributions of the Environmental Studies curricular component implemented in the municipal education system of São João do Arraial, Piauí, Brazil, considering its impacts on students' education and on pedagogical practices developed within schools. The research adopts a qualitative approach, with an applied, exploratory, and descriptive nature. Methodological procedures include document analysis, questionnaires, and interviews with school administrators, teachers, and students. The theoretical framework is grounded in discussions on critical Environmental Education, curriculum studies, and sustainability, emphasizing the role of schools as spaces for the construction of knowledge, values, and attitudes aimed at environmental preservation and social transformation. The expected results indicate that the curricular component contributes significantly to the development of ecological awareness, civic engagement, and sustainable practices within both school and community contexts. Furthermore, the study seeks to contribute to the debate on the institutionalization of Environmental Education in basic education curricula, reinforcing its importance for comprehensive student development and the promotion of a sustainable culture.