EXPERIENCE REPORT: TECHNICAL VISIT TO THE SERRA DA CAPIVARA THE MUSEUMS OF AMERICAN MAN AND NATURE IN CORONEL JOSÉ DIAS (PI)

Abstract

Practical experience in settings of scientific, cultural, and environmental significance is a fundamental pedagogical strategy in academic training, especially when linked to theoretical content covered in the classroom. In this context, the field trip undertaken by the Federal Institute of Piauí (Teresina Central Campus) to Serra da Capivara National Park, located in the south of Piauí state, offered a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Brazil's archaeological and natural heritage. Established in 1979 and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1991, the park spans the municipalities of São Raimundo Nonato, João Costa, Coronel José Dias, and Brejo do Piauí, and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas (ICMBio, 2023). With an impressive concentration of rock art dating back as far as 30,000 years, archaeological excavations that challenge classical theories regarding the peopling of the continent, and biodiversity adapted to the Caatinga biome, the region serves as an open-air laboratory for studying the history of human occupation, geological and climatic transformations, and the survival strategies of animal and plant species in semi-arid environments (Guidon, 2019; Leal et al., 2003; MMA, 2021). Against this backdrop, this report aims to describe and reflect on the key insights gained from the field trip to Serra da Capivara National Park, highlighting the importance of extracurricular activities in building meaningful knowledge and fostering an appreciation for Brazil's historical and environmental heritage.