This work aims to analyze teaching strategies adopted by science teachers in order to deal with environmental themes in three secondary public schools, involving students of years 5 and 6, in Escada (PE), Brazil; and to evaluate how specific strategies can contribute to the inclusion of Critical Environmental Education at that level of instruction. Data were analyzed taking into account an analytical framework for discursive dynamics in science classrooms proposed by Mortimer and Scott (2002). Results pointed out that some didactical strategies can be considered as fundamental to developing Critical Environmental Education in the classroom, since they contribute to changing instruction, which is normally supported just by the textbook. Beyond this they can launch dialogic. approaches to the content starting from an interactive process of discussion in the classroom. Analysis also pointed out a necessary redefinition of programs for science teacher's professional development focused on Critical Environmental Education principles.
Critical environmental education; Didactical strategies and science teaching
