Class at the Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park Brings Together Theory and Practice
University students visited, among other points, the Casa de Pedra, a symbolic location of the Park, where they received educational action on Natural History
Students from the Environmental Monitoring (2024) and Environmental Education (2023) classes of the Federal University of South and Southeast Pará (Unifesspa) experienced a unique opportunity at the Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park in São Geraldo do Araguaia, southeastern Pará. Under the guidance of Professor Felipe Siqueira, the practical class aimed to integrate theory and field experience in a setting of great ecological and cultural relevance to the region.
The activity was marked by the students' immersion in the trails of the conservation unit, accompanied by the guides and firefighters from the Institute of Forest Development and Biodiversity (Ideflor-Bio) Messias, Manoel, and Matheus. Along the way, they shared their knowledge about the fauna, flora, and historical aspects of the territory, providing the students with a learning experience enriched by traditional wisdom and direct contact with nature.
Learning - Among the points visited, one of the highlights was the Casa de Pedra, a symbolic location of the Park, where a theoretical class on Fundamentals of Natural History took place. Taught by Professor Felipe Siqueira, the lecture addressed topics related to local biodiversity and the importance of environmental conservation, connecting content covered in the classroom with the concrete experience of the space.
“The experience in the Park represents a fundamental moment of education, as it allows students to perceive, in practice, the complexity of ecosystems and the challenges of environmental conservation in the Amazon,” emphasized Professor Felipe Siqueira.
The initiative was made possible through the partnership between Unifesspa and the Administrative Region Management of Araguaia (GRA) of Ideflor-Bio, which is responsible for managing the Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park. The collaboration between the institutions enabled logistical organization and integration with trail guides and firefighters, ensuring a complete and safe experience for the participants.
Education and Research - According to the head of GRA, Laís Mercedes, the activity reinforces the role of conservation units as spaces for education and research. She also emphasizes that this approach broadens research horizons, strengthens citizenship education, and consolidates a cooperation model that contributes to the scientific and sustainable development of the Amazon region.
“Our Park is a living classroom, where science and community meet. Welcoming students from Unifesspa is an opportunity to strengthen academic training while bringing the university closer to the environmental conservation practiced in our territory,” stated the manager.
The enthusiasm of the students was evident with the opportunity to unite theory and practice in such a rich natural environment. For most, the experience meant not only academic learning but also an awakening to the importance of preservation and the role that each future professional can play in defending the environment.
