Kit "Energy, Environment and Sustainability": an educational strategy for a sustainable future. A case study for Guinea-Bissau.

Increasing the scientific knowledge of the population through education is a development strategy towards a sustainable future. However, there is no equity in the access to science education and scientific knowledge. This... [ view full abstract ]

Increasing the scientific knowledge of the population through education is a development strategy towards a sustainable future. However, there is no equity in the access to science education and scientific knowledge.
This paper examines the development of a science kit named "Energy, Environment and Sustainability" (KEAS). KEAS is an educational strategy to promote interdisciplinary relationships between indigenous knowledge and science education, with particular emphasis on energy, gender equality, water, poverty and well-being.
Based on an investigation performed in Guinea-Bissau schools from grade 1 to 6, it explores strategies to promote science education for sustainable future based in the following principles: (i) culturally appropriate, (ii) user-friendly, (iii) low cost, (iv) easy to replicate with local materials, (v) easy to carry, (vi) gender sensitive and usable without access to electricity.
The strengths and limitations of KEAS were studied using different data collection methods and tools including interviews, participant and non-participant observation, survey, focus groups and document analysis. The participants where teacher trainers from Guinea-Bissau School of Education involved in the supervision of teaching practices.
It is concluded that the KEAS is a feasible and suitable teaching strategy. It also seems to be appropriate to the context, having the potential to contribute to a more relevant and modern science teaching and learning. Also reflects and enhances the indigenous knowledge as well as addresses the real problems for which students should acquire knowledge and skills in order to be able to take relevant and informed choices.