STRATEGIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WITH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS FROM THE RABANAL MOOR (BOYACá)

This article is the result of a research aimed to, , raise awareness in high school students living near the Rabanal Moor, Samacá (Boyacá), through environmental education strategies, on the importance of preserving the moor ecosystem. The methodology was implemented following the action research criteria, in which the following strategies were carried out: cognitive maps, for the identification of spatial knowledge; environmental awareness through sensory development exercises; metaphors to give structure and meaning to reality; interaction experiences considering the environment as a connection process with the ecosystem. We found that the knowledge students have about the moor ecosystem is minimal in regard to water resources, flora, fauna and interaction exerted from the inhabitants. Through the implementation of sensory experiences, field trips and the use of metaphor, we managed to sensitize the participants in favor of the environment protection and improvement strengthening their needed knowledge, abilities and skills to build values to modify their behavior patterns. It was concluded that the use of all the senses in accessible spaces, expands the exploration alternatives and brings students to the surrounding real context beyond formal knowledge. It is not enough to have knowledge of environmental problems; best results are obtained with actions in practice.