Indigenous Culture: What can we learn (and teach)?

Abstract

Valuing the culture of the native people of a country is always relevant, and science and biology classes can become an interesting space for this appreciation. It is suggested that cultural, behavioral, and social aspects inherited from the indigenous people in Brazil be used as didactic learning tools. It is demonstrated that knowledge related to the preservation of the Amazon Rainforest, hygiene, food, and medications, already present in different scales in Brazilian daily life, has its origin in knowledge from the native peoples of Brazil, although this origin is little known and publicized. It is noteworthy that these topics can be used in a multidisciplinary way so that students can perceive the acquisition in a broader way and interrelated to their daily lives. It is important not to miss any opportunity to increase scientific literacy in the classroom and the knowledge bequeathed by the Indians has potential for this learning. Finally, it is suggested to use the lessons to alert and confront the issue of scientific fake news through the internet and social media.