HEALTH EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF SCHOOLS: A STUDY WITH PUBLIC SCHOOL PRIMARY EDUCATION TEACHERS IN CRUZ ALTA, STATE OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL

The teaching of Science includes several themes, such as the environment, technological resources, human beings and health. Health is emphasized in this study and it presents the problem to be investigated, which consists in understanding how primary education teachers envisage health education. In attempting to answer this research question, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten teachers who are active in the last grades of Elementary School in the city of Cruz Alta, state of Rio Grande do Sul. The content analysis was used to interpret the interviews. Two forms emerged referring to the methods related to health education: one being applied to the disciplines, but restricted to science teachers; and the other applied in the form of projects, developed in both an individual and fragmented manner. Thus, we conclude that teachers active in the final years of elementary school require specific training and greater support regarding health education. We recommend a review of curricula, as well as an increase in knowledge about health and teachers' understanding about their participation in health education programs.