Análise de animações sobre os tatuzinhos de jardim (Crustáceos terrestres)

Abstract

Terrestrial Isopods, terrestrial crustaceans belonging to the isopod group, play an important role in maintaining ecological balance by contributing to the decomposition of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients in the soil. Despite their environmental relevance, these organisms are still undervalued and often subject to misconceptions. In order to expand scientific dissemination about these animals and promote a more positive perception of them, animations have proven to be effective tools for teaching zoological content in an accessible and engaging way. This study aimed to analyze, describe, and categorize the representations of pill bugs in animations aimed at children and adolescents, seeking to identify how morphological, behavioral, and ecological aspects of these crustaceans are portrayed. To this end, a qualitative approach was employed, involving the selection and analysis of animations available on digital platforms. The productions were examined in terms of scientific accuracy, the language used, and their potential contributions to the teaching and learning process. The results indicated that the animations have educational potential while also reinforcing cultural and symbolic traits associated with pill bugs. It is concluded that the use of animations can be an effective strategy for promoting the value of terrestrial crustaceans, contributing to the popularization of zoological knowledge and the development of environmental awareness from the early stages of schooling. The presence of pill bugs in animated productions targeted at young audiences reveals an interesting convergence between science and culture, allowing zoological knowledge about these crustaceans to be conveyed in an accessible and appealing manner. The animations analyzed in this study demonstrate varying levels of scientific approach, ranging from more playful and imaginative representations to content with greater informational accuracy. It was observed that many elements of the pill bugs’ biological characteristics—such as their ability to roll into a ball (known as conglobation), their preference for moist environments, and their diet based on decomposing organic matter—are frequently represented in the animations, aiding in the understanding of these animals’ ecological roles. Additionally, the narratives built around pill bugs often portray them as curious, hardworking, and resilient characters, which can foster a positive and empathetic association among children. However, some gaps were also identified, such as the lack of deeper contextualization regarding their zoological classification and, in some cases, the use of imprecise terms to describe their features. These aspects highlight the importance of careful curation in the selection of educational materials and the involvement of biology professionals in the production and validation of such content. Thus, it is concluded that animations play a significant role in shaping scientific knowledge in the educational context and can serve as effective pedagogical tools, as long as they are aligned with zoological foundations and practices of critical and reflective science education.