ABSTRACT In analytical chemistry laboratories, the basic principles of the study of the chemical composition of a material or sample are verified experimentally, through different methods of analysis, for which reason chemical and biological agents are handled daily, to which workers are exposed; hence the need to assess the risk of exposure. The objective of this work was to evaluate the risks in an analytical chemical laboratory using the semi-quantitative method of William Fine, for which a multidisciplinary commission was created made up of specialists and experts with experience in the subject. It was determined that there is a direct relationship between the chemical, fire and explosion risks, the emanation of vapors of volatile substances, due to very high temperatures, or close to sources of ignition that can cause a fire, and generate a chain of events that, when reacting with other substances, can lead to explosions. The chemical and fire risks were evaluated as critical risks, which require immediate stoppage of the activity, and the mechanical, environmental, explosion, and biological risks were evaluated as notable risks, which require an urgent necessary correction.

RESUMEN En los laboratorios de química analítica se verifican de forma experimental, los principios básicos del estudio de la composición química de un material o muestra, mediante diferentes métodos de análisis, por lo que se manipulan diariamente agentes químicos y biológicos, a los están expuestos los trabajadores; de ahí la necesidad de evaluar el riesgo de exposición. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar los riesgos en un laboratorio químico analítico mediante el método semicuantitativo de William Fine, para lo cual se creó una comisión multidisciplinaria constituida por especialistas y expertos con experiencia en el tema. Se determinó que xiste una relación directa entre el riesgo químico, el de incendio y el de explosión la emanación de vapores de sustancias volatiles, debido a temperaturas muy altas, o próximas a fuentes de ignición que puedan provocar un incendio, y generar una cadena de acontacimientos que al reaccionar con otras sustancias pueden dar lugar a explosiones. Los riesgos químico y de incendios fueron evaluados como riesgos criticos los cuales requieren de detención inmediata de la actividad y los riesgos mecánico, ambiental, de explosión y biológico fueron evaluados como riesgos notables por lo que requieren una correción necesaria urgente.

The demand for macadamia nut production worldwide has led to increased use of pesticides and chemicals for pest and disease control. Reservoirs in these macadamia farming sectors are at risk, since these chemicals can enter and contaminate the water through direct application, runoff, and atmospheric deposition, subsequently negatively affecting aquatic organisms. The current study investigated macroinvertebrate colonisation and succession associated with two macadamia orchards and two communal area reservoirs. The potential effects of stressors from these land uses was tested for and compared using stone substrates over a 6-week period. Stone substrates from both reservoir types were abundantly colonised over time and the total macroinvertebrate taxa and abundance showed an increasing trend across the sampled weeks, with macadamia orchards having the highest number of macroinvertebrate taxa. Strong ecological succession was observed across reservoirs, with the initial succession of early colonisers - i.e., Chironominae (collector-gatherers), Ostracoda (collector-filterers) and Anax sp. (predator) within communal area reservoirs, and Chironominae, Ostracoda and Radix natalensis (scrapers) in macadamia orchard reservoirs - followed by predatory colonisers such as Gyrinidae larvae, Trithemis sp. (macadamia orchard reservoirs), and Ranatra sp. (communal area reservoirs). Macroinvertebrate community structure differed significantly across sites and weeks, with no similarity being observed for communities across the different reservoirs. Redundancy analyses further highlighted 11 sediment chemistry variables (i.e., pH, resistivity, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, B, Fe and S) which were significantly related to macroinvertebrate community structure. Thus, sediment variables were found to be better predictors of macroinvertebrate community structure in macadamia orchard reservoirs than communal area reservoirs. Consequently, we concluded that differences in colonisation ability among taxa and environmental stressors were important factors driving succession. These results add to the understanding of the macroinvertebrate colonisation processes and environmental stressors within agricultural landscapes, which can aid in the development of conservation management of freshwater ecosystems.

RESUMO Este estudo tem como objetivo fundamental elaborar uma estratégia de educação ambiental voltada para estudantes universitários do curso de ciências da educação nas opções de ensino de geografia, física, química e matemática o que exigiu inicialmente a realização de um diagnóstico empírico com aplicação guias de entrevistas semiestruturadas para identificar o grau de conhecimento dos estudantes sobre o assunto, bem como verificar as insuficiências nas suas actividades diárias em relação com o meio ambiente através de guias de observações para caracterizar eficientemente a situação actual da relação dos estudantes com ambiente do Instituto Superior Politécnico do Moxico; adopta-se uma abordagem qualitativa e métodos de abordagem dedutiva que incidem sobre o campo de ação do processo de ensino e aprendizagem para educação ambiental, a elaboração da proposta contempla diferentes fases de forma intencional, planejada e consciente, a partir do aproveitamento de todos os momentos da pesquisa, o que resultou numa importante estratégia educativa para o professor utilizar de forma a contribuir para o desenvolvimento da educação ambiental nos estudantes. Os resultados obtidos respondem às actuais necessidades dos estudantes e demonstram na prática educativa a viabilidade e pertencimento da estratégia educativa no contexto para a qual foi criada.

ABSTRACT This study's fundamental objective is to develop an environmental education strategy aimed at university students studying educational sciences in the teaching options of geography, physics, chemistry and mathematics, which initially required carrying out an empirical diagnosis using semi-structured interview guides. to identify the degree of knowledge of students on the subject, as well as verify insufficiencies in their daily activities in relation to the environment through observation guides to efficiently characterize the current situation of students' relationship with the environment at Instituto Superior Politécnico do Moxico ; a qualitative approach and deductive approach methods are adopted that focus on the field of action of the teaching and learning process for environmental education, the elaboration of the proposal includes different phases in an intentional, planned and conscious way, based on the use of all moments of the research, which resulted in an important educational strategy for the teacher to use in order to contribute to the development of environmental education in students. The results obtained respond to the current needs of students and demonstrate in educational practice the viability and belonging of the educational strategy in the context for which it was created.

Project-based learning has received a lot of attention in academia across all education levels as one of the pedagogical approaches with the potential to promote scientific literacy and the development of work-related knowledge, skills, and competencies. Through mixed methods, this descriptive study assessed chemistry students' perceptions about a project design experience in response to the following research questions: What lessons can be drawn from students' perceptions about conceptualising a research project? What are students' perceptions about the inclusion of research projects as part of their learning in chemistry? Likert scale questionnaires and open-ended questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics to establish patterns, while qualitative data were analysed through conventional content analysis. Findings show that most students were able to design their own projects with minimal assistance. Environmental concerns, curiosity and concepts from other courses were primary factors that influenced students' choice of projects. However, the conceptualisation of the research projects by students showed some challenges and lack of coherence, which were attributed, in part, to students' lack of experience in both research and experimentation. Nonetheless, students recommend the inclusion of projects as part of their learning because of the opportunities they experienced. The study concludes that project design stage is critical and exposes students to essential elements of project-based learning, should be introduced early and be supported with resources and adequate supervision. Adoption of project-based learning has the potential to help students acquire and develop skills readily applicable to address real-life problems.

Low-cost adsorbents promote the valorization of locally sourced waste materials and are still a significant challenge for removing toxic metal ions from industrial effluents. In this sense, Castor (Ricinus communis L.) stalks (CS) were activated with an alkaline solution and tested as an adsorbent to remove nickel, copper, cadmium, and lead ions. A 24-1 factorial design was carried out and showed a correlation and influence of the variables, such as pH, adsorbent mass, agitation rate, and initial concentration in the adsorption process. The adsorbents in their natural, activated, and saturated states were characterized. After activation, X-ray diffraction results revealed a change from cellulose I to cellulose II. The X-ray fluorescence showed that the ion exchange adsorption mechanism occurred. For the kinetic adsorption studies, the equilibrium time was reached up to 15 min. Different isotherm models described the adsorption process, with the Sips model providing the best fit to the experimental data. Five cycles of sorption/desorption using 0.1 mol L-1 HCl elution were carried out with a minimal loss in sorption capacity and physical degradation. Nickel and copper ions exhibited the lowest desorption rates. Due to their efficiency, CS can be a promising and low-cost alternative for removing metal ions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pursuit of a cure for the disease resulted in an excessive consumption of various pharmaceuticals, even after their inefficacy had been scientifically demonstrated. This scenario highlights the urgency of educational initiatives that improve students’ critical thinking and promote awareness of indiscriminate use of pharmaceuticals and its environmental and social implications. This research described the educational initiative “Pharmaceuticals in the COVID-19 pandemic” based on the study case method, implemented at an analytical chemistry class, and analyzed its potential on promoting Critical Environmental Education through a content analysis guided by the indicators proposed by Luz and Tonso. Students were divided into groups and studied different cases about pharmaceuticals featured in the media during the pandemic. They were expected to gather relevant data regarding the case scenario; to take a position on a socio-environmental dilemma; propose an analytical chromatographic methodology for the pharmaceutical in the case and present their results in a final report. The educational initiative was considered aligned with Critical Environmental Education principals due to the presence of six out of the seven indicators. As a future perspective, we aim to optimize the educational initiative in order to include all the indicators and students’ suggestions.

Despite being responsible for many essential products in our daily lives, the chemical industries have not given proper attention to environmental issues for a long time. In the late 90’s, Green Chemistry (GC) emerged as a field of chemistry responsible for dealing with the relationship between the products used and their effects on human health and the environment. However, the employability of GC, in practice, is still incipient due to the little importance given to this field during the training of professionals. In Brazil, without a legislation that collaborates for its insertion, GC struggles to be part of the contents studied and the curricular matrices of higher education courses. This work aimed at revisiting the subject through an analysis of whether Brazilian higher educational institutions are working on disciplines related to Green Chemistry in their courses and how they are doing so. Based on the data obtained, it was noticed that this topic is more present in elective and theoretical disciplines, mainly for postgraduate and teaching training courses, taught predominantly in public institutions located substantially in the Southeast region. Although there are interesting proposals, the number of educational institutions that promote GC in their disciplines is still considered low.

In recent years, various methods for surface functionalization of magnetite nanoparticles with emerging modifications have been explored and reported. Green nano-chemistry aims to synthesize nanomaterials using bio-based resources, providing new materials for biological and environmental applications. Surface modification of magnetite nanoparticles using phytochemicals extracted from plants is a fundamental principle of green synthesis routes. Agricultural waste from different crops, such as plantain pseudostem, is of particular interest as a renewable resource due to its abundant availability, low toxicity, and economic feasibility. In this study, the juice extracted from plantain pseudostem was utilized for the phytofunctionalization of magnetite nanoparticles. Characterization techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the nanometric dimensions of the composite (size range of 12.6 ± 3.17 nm) and established its organic-inorganic nature. The superparamagnetic properties of the composite were also demonstrated. Moreover, the potential application of this nanohybrid in bioremediation for the immobilization of cadmium(II) and lead(II) showed promising results, highlighting its efficacy in managing water pollutants.

RESUMO: A poluição plástica é um problema hodierno. Situação preocupante, pois estima-se que até 2050 teremos mais plásticos que peixes nos oceanos. Diante desse cenário, realizamos uma atividade sobre o tema. Fundamentados nas ideias do Pensamento Complexo e Pedagogia 5Cs, elaborou-se uma jornada temática em 6 momentos, com alunos do Ensino Médio do Instituto Federal de Sergipe, Campus de Lagarto. Nas questões metodológicas, optou-se por uma pesquisa qualitativa, tendo a pesquisa-ação como método. Produções textuais utilizadas como instrumento de coleta de dados e as análises que foram realizadas referenciadas na análise textual discursiva, visavam investigar evidências do desenvolvimento do pensamento complexo. Os dados levantaram a existência de 148 menções nas dimensões selecionadas como categorias analíticas: ambiental, científica-tecnológica, social, econômica e governamental. Diante dos dados podemos inferir que as produções textuais representam uma ferramenta eficaz, pois nos permitiu levantar evidências do desenvolvimento do pensamento complexo pelos participantes, uma vez que seus textos trouxeram discursos mais refinados, articulando conhecimentos de diversas dimensões e áreas do conhecimento. Assim, a problemática da jornada temática pode ser tratada e, para além disso, encaminhamentos de soluções foram apresentados a partir de uma análise multidimensional do problema.

ABSTRACT: Plastic pollution is a modern problem. This is a worrying situation, as it is estimated that by 2050 we will have more plastic than fish in the oceans. Given this scenario, we carried out an activity on the topic. Based on the ideas of Complex Thinking and 5Cs Pedagogy, a thematic journey was created in 6 moments, with high school students from the Federal Institute of Sergipe, Campus Lagarto. Regarding methodological issues, we opted for qualitative research, using action research as a method. Textual productions used as a data collection instrument and the analyzes that were carried out, referenced in discursive textual analysis, aimed to investigate evidence of the development of complex thinking. The data revealed the existence of 148 mentions in the dimensions selected as analytical categories: environmental, scientific-technological, social, economic and governmental. Given the data, we can infer that textual productions represent an effective tool, as it allowed us to gather evidence of the development of complex thinking by the participants, since their texts brought more refined discourses, articulating knowledge from different dimensions and areas of knowledge. Thus, the problem of the thematic journey can be addressed and, in addition, solutions were presented based on a multidimensional analysis of the problem.

RESUMEN: La contaminación plástica es un problema moderno. Se trata de una situación preocupante, ya que se estima que en 2050 tendremos más plástico que peces en los océanos. Ante este escenario, realizamos una actividad sobre el tema. A partir de las ideas del Pensamiento Complejo y la Pedagogía de las 5Cs, se creó un recorrido temático en 6 momentos, con estudiantes de secundaria del Instituto Federal de Sergipe, Campus Lagarto. En cuanto a las cuestiones metodológicas, se optó por la investigación cualitativa, utilizando como método la investigación acción. Las producciones textuales utilizadas como instrumento de recolección de datos y los análisis realizados, referenciados en el análisis textual discursivo, tuvieron como objetivo investigar evidencias del desarrollo del pensamiento complejo. Los datos revelaron la existencia de 148 menciones en las dimensiones seleccionadas como categorías analíticas: ambiental, científico-tecnológica, social, económica y gubernamental. Teniendo en cuenta los datos, podemos inferir que las producciones textuales representan una herramienta eficaz, ya que permitió recopilar evidencias del desarrollo del pensamiento complejo por parte de los participantes, ya que sus textos trajeron discursos más refinados, articulando saberes de diferentes dimensiones y áreas del conocimiento. Así, se puede abordar la problemática del recorrido temático y, además, se presentaron soluciones a partir de un análisis multidimensional del problema.

The knowledge of chemistry connected to environmental problems and sustainable development can provide an opportunity for dynamic, investigative, and directed teaching towards the recognition of chemistry itself as a science and social practice. From this perspective, this work aimed to investigate how discussions involving topics related to environmental education are conducted by researchers and/or professionals in chemical education, based on articles published in the journal Química Nova na Escola (QNEsc). The selection of articles was made considering publications from QNEsc between the years 1995 and 2022, focusing on terms such as environmental education, environment, pollution, environmental aspects, sustainability, and sustainable development present in the title, abstract, and/or keywords of the published articles. The selected texts were analyzed using Iramuteq software, applying correspondence factorial analysis (CFA), hierarchical descendant classification (HDC), similarity analysis, and word cloud using their respective abstracts. The data show that topics such as water, pesticides, waste, and plastic materials (polymers) were the most addressed by the publications, indicating a path that seeks to present and discuss proposals that value the need for sustainable actions, addressing environmental issues that directly impact the way humans use natural resources in the present and future. dynamic investigative practice perspective andor or QNEsc. . (QNEsc) 199 2022 environment pollution aspects sustainability title abstract software CFA, CFA , (CFA) HDC, HDC (HDC) abstracts water pesticides waste polymers (polymers actions future (QNEsc 19 202 (CFA (HDC 1 20 2

Resumo A Química Verde (QV) emerge em consequência de uma série de discussões ambientais globais no final do século XX, preocupando-se com a minimização ou eliminação de resíduos gerados nas rotas sintéticas. Em razão dessa gênese, esse apelo marcadamente industrial e laboratorial tem resultado em uma lenta apropriação na área de ensino. Em 2018, o grupo CTS e Educação, do CEFET/RJ realizou um mapeamento de artigos sobre o ensino de QV no Brasil publicados até o 1º semestre de 2017 e constatou essa atuação incipiente. Sendo assim, com o objetivo de rever e atualizar esses dados até o 1º semestre de 2022, o presente trabalho apresenta os resultados de um novo mapeamento realizado a partir da análise de redes sociais. Os grafos expuseram um crescimento apreciável do número de publicações e instituições vinculadas nos últimos anos, salientando que o cenário brasileiro de publicações sobre o ensino de QV está em ascendência. Além disso, notou-se um avanço na relevância do enfoque CTS e da experimentação para a concretização da área. Por fim, Vânia Zuin e Carlos Alberto Marques consagraram-se mais uma vez como referências de autores, destacando-se, nos resultados atuais, os trabalhos de Marilei Sandri.

Abstract Green Chemistry (GC) emerged due to a series of global environmental discussions at the end of the 20th century, concerned with minimizing or eliminating waste generated in synthetic routes. Due to this genesis, this markedly industrial and laboratorial appeal has resulted in a slow appropriation in education. In 2018, the STS and Education group of CEFET/RJ mapped articles on GC teaching in Brazil published until the 1st semester of 2017 and found this incipient performance. Thus, to review and update this data until the 1st semester of 2022, the present work presents the results of a new mapping using social network analysis. The graphs exposed a noticeable growth in the number of publications and associated institutions in recent years, highlighting the rising Brazilian scenario of publications on GC teaching. Moreover, it was noted an advance in the relevance of STS approach and experimentation for the area realization. Finally, Vânia Zuin and Carlos Alberto Marques have established themselves once again as author references, highlighting, in the current results, the work of Marilei Sandri.

Resumen El artículo describe las características fisicoquímicas y microbiológicas tanto del sistema de abastecimiento de agua potable existente en el distrito Las Brisas, ubicado en el cantón de Zarcero, como del agua superficial del río Jilguero que atraviesa dicha comunidad. Se valora el impacto negativo de las actividades humanas sobre el recurso hídrico durante los años 2019-2021 para determinar su vulnerabilidad a partir del análisis de 45 muestras de agua dulce. Los resultados más importantes son: 1- Existen niveles de amonio y de fosfato en el agua del acueducto, provenientes del expansivo desarrollo agropecuario, que, durante la estación lluviosa, escurren y lixivian a las nacientes. 2- El pH y el cloro libre son dos parámetros que requieren ser mejorados en el acueducto las Brisas, para reducir los riesgos y asegurar la potabilidad del agua en toda la red de distribución. 3- La contaminación del río Jilguero se clasifica entre moderada y severa según normativa nacional, situación generada por la intensa actividad agropecuaria en la zona, así como el irrespeto a las zonas de protección del río.

Abstract The article describes the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of both the existing drinking water supply system in the Las Brisas district located in the canton of Zarcero, and the surface water of the Jilguero River that crosses said community. The negative impact of human activities on water resources during the years 2019-2021 is assessed to determine its vulnerability based on the analysis of 45 freshwater samples. The most important results are: 1- There are levels of ammonium and phosphate in the aqueduct water that, during the rainy season, run off and leach into the springs, coming from the expansive agricultural development. 2- The pH and free chlorine are two parameters that need to be improved in the Las Brisas aqueduct, to reduce risks and ensure the potability of the water throughout the distribution network. 3- The contamination of the Jilguero River is classified between moderate and severe according to national regulations, a situation motivated by the intense agricultural activity in the area, as well as the disrespect for the river's protection zones.

RESUMEN Los estiércoles y efluentes animales son considerados una fuente de nutrientes para satisfacer la demanda de los cultivos, mantener la fertilidad del suelo y lograr mejores rendimientos de los cultivos. Sin embargo, a nivel nacional existe poca información sobre los efectos de la aplicación de efluentes porcinos sobre indicadores de calidad del suelo en situaciones reales de campo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue detectar cambios en propiedades químicas y microbiológicas del suelo, por aplicación prolongada de efluente porcino. Seis establecimientos porcinos localizados en el sudeste de la provincia de Córdoba fueron seleccionados como sitios de estudio. Dos tratamientos fueron definidos en cada sitio: suelos con aplicación prolongada de efluente porcino y suelos sin aplicación de efluente. Se realizaron muestreos de suelo en 0-10 y 10-20 cm para la determinación de indicadores químicos y microbiológicos. Se evidenció incrementos significativos en el nitrógeno (N) orgánico del suelo, fósforo extractable (Pe) y conductividad eléctrica (CE) en ambas profundidades. Mientras que el carbono orgánico particulado, potasio y sodio (Na) se incrementaron, y pH disminuyó en superficie, con aplicaciones de efluente. El incremento en el Na se vio reflejado también en el porcentaje de Na intercambiable. En cuanto a los indicadores microbiológicos, la aplicación de efluentes estimulo las actividades enzimáticas e incrementó el potencial de mineralización del N (p<0,05). En conclusión, las aplicaciones de efluente lograron incrementar la fertilidad del suelo y la actividad microbiológica. Sin embargo, se debe prestar atención a los incrementos en Pe, Na y CE, para evitar impactos ambientales negativos, como eutrofización de cursos de agua, salinización o sodificación de los suelos agrícolas.

ABSTRACT Animal manures and slurry are considered nutrient sources for meeting crop nutrient demands, maintaining soil fertility, and improving crop yields. However, there is limited national information available on the effects of pig slurry application on soil quality indicators in real field scenarios. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify changes in the chemical and microbiological soil properties resulting from the prolonged application of pig slurry. Six pig farms situated in the southeastern region of the Córdoba province were chosen as study sites. Two treatments were established at each site: soils with pig slurry application and soils without pig slurry application. Soil assessments were conducted at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm to determine chemical and microbiological properties. Significant increases in soil organic nitrogen (SON), extractable phosphorus (Pe), and electrical conductivity (EC) were observed at both depths. In addition, there were increases in particulate organic carbon, potassium, and sodium (Na), along with a decrease in pH in the topsoil, due to pig slurry applications. The elevation in Na levels also affected the percentage of exchangeable sodium. Regarding microbiological indicators, the application of slurry stimulated enzymatic activities and increased the potential for N mineralization (p<0.05). In conclusion, the application of pig slurry led to enhanced soil fertility and microbiological activity. However, careful consideration should be given to the increases in Pe, Na, and EC to prevent adverse environmental effects like watercourse eutrophication, salinization, or the sodification of agricultural soils.

Abstract Objective. To evaluate how the tasks carried out by the students in the scope of the PVC educational citizen science project for monitoring the quality of coastal waters contributed to raising their awareness of the problems of marine litter, in particular, the pollution of the ocean by plastics and microplastics, and the importance of chemistry in society. Methods. The project stage here presented consisted of six asynchronous tasks, conducted with digital mediation through the Moodle platform. The project took place in the 2018/2019 school year and involved 442 students and nine chemistry teachers from a middle school in the northern coastal region of Portugal. Data on the impact on students' awareness of the contexts considered were collected from the outputs the students produced in each task. The data were analyzed using the content analysis technique. Discussion. From this analysis emerged indicators of the PVC project's positive contribution to raising students' awareness of the pollution of marine environments by (micro)plastics, as well as raising awareness of the role of chemistry in society. The students expressed positive opinions toward this science and recognized its links with other areas of science and technology. Conclusión. Thus, it was found that citizen science projects significantly promote students' awareness of chemical-environmental subjects by exploring current and relevant contexts.

Resumen Objetivo. Evaluar cómo las tareas desarrolladas por estudiantes dentro del proyecto educativo de ciencia ciudadana PVC para monitorear la calidad de las aguas costeras contribuyeron a la promoción de su conciencia sobre el problema de la basura marina, en particular, la contaminación del océano por plásticos y microplásticos, y la importancia de la química en la sociedad. Metodologia. La etapa del proyecto presentada aquí consistió en un conjunto de seis tareas asincrónicas, realizadas con mediación digital a través de la plataforma Moodle que tuvo lugar en el año escolar 2018/2019 e involucró a 442 estudiantes y nueve docentes de química de la escuela secundaria en la región costera norte de Portugal. Los datos sobre el impacto en la conciencia estudiantil de los contextos discutidos se recolectaron a partir de los registros generados por el estudiantado en cada tarea y se analizaron utilizando la técnica de análisis de contenido. Discusión. De este análisis surgieron indicadores de la contribución positiva del proyecto PVC en la sensibilización del estudiantado sobre la contaminación de los entornos marinos por (micro)plásticos, así como en la sensibilización sobre el papel de la química en la sociedad, con estudiantes con opiniones positivas hacia esta ciencia y que reconocen sus conexiones con otras áreas de la ciencia y la tecnología. Conclusión. Se constató que, a través de la exploración de contextos actuales y relevantes, los proyectos de ciencia ciudadana tienen un gran potencial para promover la conciencia estudiantil sobre temas químico-ambientales.

Resumo Objetivo. Avaliar de que modo as tarefas desenvolvidas pelos alunos no âmbito do projeto educacional de ciência cidadã PVC de monitorização da qualidade das águas costeiras contribuíram para a promoção da sua consciencialização para a problemática do lixo marinho, em particular, da poluição do oceano por plásticos e por microplásticos e para a importância da Química na sociedade. Metodologia. A etapa do projeto que aqui se apresenta era constituída por um conjunto de seis tarefas assíncronas, realizadas com mediação digital através da plataforma Moodle que decorreu durante o ano letivo 2018/2019 e envolveu 442 alunos e nove professores do 3.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico da região norte litoral de Portugal. Dados sobre o impacto na consciencialização dos alunos para os contextos abordados foram recolhidos a partir dos registos elaborados pelos alunos em cada tarefa, e foram, posteriormente, analisados com recurso à técnica de análise de conteúdo. Discussão. Da análise destes resultados emergiram indicadores do contributo positivo do projeto PVC na consciencialização dos alunos para a poluição dos ambientes marinhos por (micro)plásticos bem como na sensibilização para o papel da Química na sociedade, tendo os alunos demonstrado opiniões positivas face a esta ciência e reconhecido as suas inter-relações com outras áreas da ciência e da tecnologia. Conclusão. Constatou-se assim que, através da exploração de contextos atuais e relevantes, que os projetos de ciência cidadã apresentam um grande potencial na promoção da sensibilização dos alunos para as temáticas químico-ambientais.

Resumen En el presente trabajo se presenta el desarrollo y los resultados de una experiencia destinada a la enseñanza de la química en las cátedras de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los materiales y Polímeros de la carrera de Ingeniería Química. La experiencia consistió en la elaboración de un barniz a partir de residuos de poliestireno expandido. Este enfoque tiene relación con el cuidado medioambiental y la reutilización de los residuos poliméricos en el desarrollo de productos de valor agregado. Este trabajo se llevó a cabo durante el trascurso del año lectivo 2022 en diferentes encuentros. Las tareas se realizaron en conjunto con estudiantes avanzados de Ingeniería Química a fin de complementar la actividad experimental e incorporar conceptos sobre polímeros, soluciones, propiedades de materiales, entre otros. Los principales resultados muestran que es posible obtener barnices basados en poliestireno expandido recuperado, con precios competitivos y propiedades aceptables, y que los estudiantes logran mediante estas experiencias fortalecer sus conocimientos en el área de polímeros, y sensibilizarse en la importancia del cuidado del medio ambiente.

Abstract This work presents the development and results of an experience aimed at teaching chemistry in the courses of Materials Engineering and Polymers of the Chemical Engineering career. A varnish was prepared from expanded polystyrene waste. This approach is related to environmental care and the reuse of polymeric waste in the development of value-added products. This work was carried out during the 2022 school year in different meetings. The tasks were carried out with advanced students of Chemical Engineering to complement the experimental activity and incorporate concepts of polymers, solutions, and material properties, among others. The main results show that it is possible to obtain varnishes based on recovered expanded polystyrene with competitive prices and acceptable properties and that students achieve through these experiences to promote their knowledge in polymers and become aware of the importance of caring for the environment.