Scientific literacy in the pre-school level: first knowledge as tools for health promotion and prevention of Chagas disease

Abstract

In this paper, an educational experience carried out in four Kindergartens in a rural area in La Rioja province (Argentina) is described. This province is endemic for Chagas disease, considered one of the main public health problems in Latin America. The experience involved 198 pre-school students, aged between 3 and 5 years old. Children, through games and recreational activities, were exposed to scientific knowledge of transmission of this serious disease and how to prevent it. At the same time, the pupils learned typical proceedings of work in science, such as handling binocular loupe microscope, comparison and elaboration of conclusions based on guided inquiries. The conceptual contents developed were identify the insects that transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, causal agent of Chagas disease. This aims to provide an innovative approach to the appropriation of behavioral patterns that favor the promotion of health through ludic practices and at the same time, getting the children approach science from the initial level.