Swarming knowledge

implantation of a meliponary as sustainable educational space

Abstract

This research was developed at a state public school in Linhares/ES with high school students. The objective was to implement a meliponary (stingless bee keeping site) with the aim of promoting environmental education through the creation and management of meliponaries at the school, highlighting the importance of stingless bees for the balance of ecosystems and integrating interdisciplinary knowledge that contributes to awareness and the development of sustainable practices in the school environment. To this end, a series of activities were planned to establish the necessary knowledge base to receive the stingless bee hives at the school, such as: monitoring by specialized technicians in meliponiculture, visits to non-formal education spaces, debates, and round table discussions with interdisciplinary articulation. Furthermore, as a product of the project, a logbook was produced with collective records from the participants about the developed activities. The implementation of the meliponary in the school environment transformed the space into a living laboratory, with potential for integrated and interdisciplinary pedagogical practices. The project contributed significantly to the school community by creating a living and shared learning space that values local biodiversity and strengthens the links between the school environment and the territory. The theoretical, reflective, and practical activities, in addition to the use of digital technologies, promoted a sense of belonging and collective commitment, integrating an educational praxis focused on local sustainability.