knowing the biodiversity of atlantic forest of zona da mata, mg, brazil

The rain forest constitutes a vegetation mosaic with a great biodiversity recognized tothe biome. In spite of its deforestation, it still shelters a significant share of Brazil´s biological diversity. The objective of this project is to make high-school students aware about the importance of science to the production of knowledge and technology, in special, to the study of conservation and preservation of biodiversity in the rain forest. Proposals were made on this project and several activities were realized to the diffusion of actions and scientific methods of study towards knowledge, good use, conservation and preservation of the biodiversity of the rain forest. The activities were developed all through the project “Conhecendo a Biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica na Zona da Mata”, and divided in three actions: (i) interactive workshops showing the application of the scientific method to the study of biodiversity and the potential of making use of it in the production of consumer goods, through the principles of preservation and conservation and recognition of its resource; (ii) educational speeches to denote how society interrelates with nature and its resources and how contextual knowledge has transformed the life-style of our society; (iii) visitation through educational paths at “ State Park of Serra do Brigadeiro (PESB)” and a show of the scientific projects produced by the students on the workshops. The activities improved knowledge of natural biodiversity, made the students aware on the importance of its conservation and built a methodology of application of scientific knowledge on the subject.