Abstract
Promoting environmental and health education is crucial to allow students to make conscious decisions based on scientific criteria. The study is based on the outcomes of an Educational Project implemented with Portuguese students and consisted of several activities, exploring pre-existent Scientific Gardens at the School, aiming to investigate the antibacterial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of plant extracts, with posterior incorporation in soaps and creams. A logo and a webpage were also created. The effectiveness of the project was assessed via the application of a questionnaire (pre- and post-test) and observations of the participants in terms of engagement and interaction with all individuals involved in the project. This project increased the knowledge about autochthonous plants and the potential medical properties of the corresponding plant extracts and increased the awareness about the correct design of scientific experiments and the importance of the use of experimental models of disease. The students regarded their experiences as exciting and valuable and believed that the project helped to improve their understanding and increase their interest in these subjects and in science in general. This study emphasizes the importance of raising students’ awareness on the valorization of autochthonous plants and exploitation of their medicinal properties.
Highlights
The importance of environmental education has increased in the same proportion that public awareness increases regarding the severity of plant loss, such as autochthonous plants
For the European Commission, this concern is real and has been fostered by funding collaboration projects between Companies/Universities (FP7-SME). This position is highlighted in the new Community Framework-Horizon 2020 in which the European Commission intends to transfer knowledge to convert science into a product with added value
A study conducted with 2075 Portuguese students, spread across different school years, showed that only 37%
Summary
The importance of environmental education has increased in the same proportion that public awareness increases regarding the severity of plant loss, such as autochthonous plants. Exotic plants develop new morphologies and reproductive behaviors to compete successfully in their new habitats [2] and they are able to spread over enormous regions and considerable distances from the parent plants [3]. Controlling this type of plants is extremely difficult and costly, so upstream measures, such as avoiding their initial introduction, are needed [4]. According the World Health Organization, medicinal plants are the best source from which to obtain a variety of drugs [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
