Educational game in marine biology teaching: a proposal for the promotion of scientific literacy

Abstract

This study investigates the use of a board game as a didactic resource in teaching
Marine Biology to ninth-grade students in Elementary Education, aiming to promote Scientific
Literacy and environmental awareness. The research is grounded in theoretical discussions on
the importance of games in Science Education, highlighting their potential to facilitate the
understanding of complex concepts and to encourage a critical stance toward environmental
issues. The main objective was to analyze the extent to which the implementation of the game
“Explorers of the Ocean” could enhance students’ perception of marine ecosystems and their
conservation. The methodological approach included the application of a diagnostic
questionnaire, a discussion circle, and the development of the playful activity, followed by a
final evaluative questionnaire. The results showed significant improvements in understanding
the environmental impacts on the oceans, particularly regarding marine pollution and
conservation practices, with more complete and well-founded responses after the pedagogical
interventions. The analysis indicates that the use of the game fostered learning in a playful and
interactive manner, increasing student engagement and content comprehension. It is concluded
that incorporating educational games into Marine Biology teaching constitutes an effective
strategy for fostering Scientific Literacy, by encouraging critical understanding and responsible
attitudes toward the preservation of marine environments.