Production and use of electrical energy: the price paid for development

Abstract

In Brazil, electrical energy is obtained mainly through hydroelectric and thermoelectric plants. In the Amazon region, the construction of hydroelectric plants, has caused serious environmental and social damage. These problems arise, among other factors, due to the growth of large cities and consequently the need for development in the region. However, effective plans are not drawn up and implemented to minimize environmental and social risks arising from the production of electrical energy. Nor is the general population aware of this problem. For this reason, it is necessary for this topic to be addressed in basic education, so that students are protagonists of an education focused on sustainability and conservation of the Amazon. Therefore, this work aimed to understand the environmental risks caused by the indiscriminate production and use of electrical energy, with an emphasis on the environmental damage caused by the construction of hydroelectric plants in the Amazon region, aiming at students' perception of their role in environmental conservation. This research is a qualitative study, carried out in Manaus (Amazonas), with two eighth-year elementary school classes. To insert students into the research theme, pre-tests, surveys of textbooks and scientific articles, conversation circles, oral presentation of different types of electrical energy production and construction of electrical circuit models were carried out. Furthermore, a test with objective questions was applied to investigate student learning. With the results of the two tests, it was possible to analyze the influence of the project on the academic life and social formation of students. Furthermore, the students participating in the project presented the results of the research, highlighting the need to produce clean energy for the conservation of our region.