ABSTRACT
In the post-truth era, one challenge facing science education is the circulation of fake news that distorts the information available for decision-making on issues that have a scientific basis and are controversial for society. In this work, we aimed at designing a learning environment with the objective of equipping students with skills that allow them to deal with socio-scientific issues (SSI) in an infodemic context. To this end, we proposed an educational innovation through design-based research, which was oriented to the treatment of information disseminated in the media and social networks related to COVID-19. We divided this information into four major constructs: virus and disease dynamics; pandemic and environmental crisis; hygiene and protocols; and vaccines, potential solutions, and pharmaceutical industry. On the basis of the activities of the didactic sequence, which included class discussion, interviews with the immediate environment, audiovisual productions, and a final plenary, we identified criteria that students applied to trust or not trust the circulating information and a series of strategies to corroborate the information. In addition, framing COVID-19 as an SSI allowed the discussion of curricular content in science and on sociocultural dimensions that cross the pandemic. Based on the implementation of the teaching-learning sequence, we conclude that the proposed activities favored reflection on critical thinking and awareness of the responsibilities they have as potential disseminators and/or generators of information.
ABSTRACT
Abstract The Río de la Plata Grasslands (RPG) are one of the most modified biomes in the world. Changes in land use and cover affect the RPG's rich biodiversity. In particular, the expansion of crops, overgrazing, afforestation, and the introduction of exotic species pose a major threat to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES). In this study, we applied the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) conceptual framework as a new lens to approach biodiversity conservation enactments in the RPG. First, we systematically reviewed published scientific literature to identify direct and indirect drivers that affect the RPG's BES. Further, we conducted an extensive analysis of management policies affecting the BES directly in the region, at a national and international level. We conclude by offering recommendations for policy and praxis under the umbrella of the IPBES framework.
Resumo As pradarias do Rio da Prata são um dos biomas mais modificados no mundo. Alterações nos usos do solo afetam a rica biodiversidade deste ecossistema. A expansão da agricultura, sobrepastoreio, arborização e a introdução de espécies exóticas, principalmente, representam uma grande ameaça para a conservação da biodiversidade e dos serviços ecossistêmicos (BES). Neste estudo, aplicamos a estrutura conceptual da Plataforma Intergovernamental sobre Biodiversidade e Serviços Ecossistêmicos (IPBES) como uma nova forma de abordar as políticas de conservação da biodiversidade neste bioma. Primeiro, revisamos sistematicamente artigos científicos publicados de forma a identificar fatores diretos e indiretos que afetam os BES nas pradarias do Rio da Prata. Adicionalmente, realizamos uma extensa análise das políticas de gestão que afetam diretamente os BES na região, quer a nível nacional, quer internacional. Concluímos com propostas e recomendações de políticas e práticas sob a égide do quadro do IPBES.
