Proposta de um role-playing game (RPG) como recurso didático para trabalhar espécies exóticas e invasoras

Abstract

The Natural Sciences comprise a very wide area of ​​knowledge, and with that, it is natural that some of them are not worked or worked in an unsatisfactory way. In the educational context, the theme related to exotic and invasive species is of great importance, but it represents a small deficit in the teaching-learning process, since little knowledge about these species is actually worked on. As these species are widely distributed throughout the country, addressing this in science and biology classes is extremely important, as they can have a great impact on biodiversity, and, in addition, certain species can even act as vectors of some diseases. It is scientific knowledge that alternative methodologies to traditional classes can have a positive impact on pedagogical practice, allowing denser content to be worked on in a lighter way. Based on this assumption, this study aimed to propose an RPG as a didactic resource to work with exotic and invasive species, in addition to carrying out a survey of information brought about these species in Biology textbooks. In textbooks, we analyzed which species were addressed, as well as the contents related to them. These contents were synthesized and served to build a context for the game. In addition to the data seen in textbooks, Platform Horus was consulted to seek more species and information to support the game. To better set up the game, the following were created: a map in the traditional RPG style on the Inkarnate platform serving as the basis for the game; a folder on the Canva platform with a brief history to contextualize the player; a guide that replaces the traditional master's book; and a website dedicated to the game on the Wix platform. From there, in the folder developed to be worked on at the beginning of the game, there are instructions about the game's dynamics, as well as some historical facts about exotic and invasive species. Along the developed map, there are different ecosystems where players can interact with different species incorporated into the RPG, and finally, the website was created in order to make the game accessible from anywhere, where you can download the files to play on the traditional mode or online play, adapting to different educational scenarios and aiming at a better experience in the learning process. Thus, relating the contents covered throughout the game, some gaps in knowledge about these species, as well as the importance of proper management, monitoring and their distribution throughout the country can be better understood. Thus, it is expected that the proposed game can characterize a viable and accessible resource, so that it can be applied in the educational field and improve the understanding of these species, contributing to the reduction of gaps that this theme has.