Do Caldo de Cana ao Bioetanol: Experimentos Acessíveis e Educação Ambiental no Ensino Médio

Resumo

The search for sustainable energy alternatives has driven the development of pedagogical practices that integrate science, technology, and environmental awareness. This study aimed to implement and evaluate a didactic sequence in Chemistry education addressing the production of bioethanol from sugarcane using low-cost, alternative materials. The proposal included alcoholic fermentation, simple distillation, and combustion testing of the produced ethanol, combined with lectures, diagnostic and evaluative questionnaires, and a technical visit to the Botanical Garden of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The study was conducted with 36 high school students from a public school in Rio de Janeiro during the second semester of 2024. Results revealed significant advances in the understanding of fermentation and distillation processes, as well as in the identification of sugarcane as the main raw material for bioethanol. Students also demonstrated increased awareness of environmental benefits, particularly the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The use of alternative materials for distillation proved pedagogically viable and accessible, distinguishing this approach from previous studies requiring traditional laboratory infrastructure. Therefore, the didactic sequence was effective in promoting integrated learning, student engagement, and critical awareness of the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of biofuels in the Brazilian context.