RESUMO A Biologia pode ser uma das disciplinas escolares mais interessantes ou mais enfadonhas para os estudantes, dependendo do modo como ela for abordada. Articulando aspectos do consenso construtivista com os eixos da Alfabetização Científica, este artigo pretende mostrar as potencialidades do ensino por investigação para o ensino de Biologia, de forma a torná-lo mais significativo aos estudantes. Sequências didáticas baseadas no ensino por investigação podem ampliar os objetivos do ensino de Biologia na perspectiva da Alfabetização Científica, permitindo situar os estudantes no centro do processo de ensino e aprendizagem de modo que desenvolvam compreensões sobre conceitos e teorias, sobre o processo de produção de conhecimento e sobre as relações entre ciência, tecnologia, sociedade e ambiente.

ABSTRACT Biology may be one of the most interesting or boring school subjects for students depending on how it is approached. Articulating aspects of the constructivist consensus with the dimensions of Scientific Literacy, this article intends to show the potential of inquiry-based science learning in Biology teaching to make it more meaningful to students. The didactic sequences of inquiry-based learning can broaden the goals of Biology teaching from the perspective of Scientific Literacy, allowing students to be placed at the center of the teaching and learning process to develop their understanding of concepts and theories, of the process of knowledge production and of the relationship between science, technology, society and the environment.

This work used green coconut mesocarp as a bioadsorbent to remove Reactive Gray BF-2R dye. A 2³ factorial design was used to evaluate the influence of the variables adsorbent mass, particle size and stirring speed on the adsorptive process. Kinetic and adsorption equilibrium studies were performed. Results showed that the kinetic equilibrium was reached after 150 min. Using the Langmuir model, a q max of 21.9 mg g-1 and k of 0.30 L g-1 was obtained. The mesocarp of coconut, a residue of agribusiness, proved to be an effective alternative technique for the removal of dye in this study.