As a teacher, my goal is to integrate knowledge from different fields, such as biology, chemistry and sustainability, to promote an interdisciplinary approach that can directly involve students. The project “Coco nucifera fiber: a sustainable option in the production of soil cement bricks” was inspired by the territory we live in.
Here in Umbúba (SE), in Prefeito Anfilófio Fernandes Viana State Collegewhere I teach, we have students who are children of farmers and who live in rural areas. Once, they brought to the classroom a problem they saw in their own community: inadequate disposal of coconut fiber, a common waste in the region. During a class on sustainability, I asked students to propose a solution to this question. The idea came to produce reinforced cement bricks with coconut fiber.
Based on this proposal, we started to work in an interdisciplinary way, connecting mathematics, biology and chemistry, with the intention of expanding the knowledge of the class in these three aspects, as well as solving a real problem in the community. I wanted students to understand that what they experience outside of school can be brought into the classroom and discussed in a learning environment.
Specifically, we work on the following topics:
Sustainability
The theme was presented as a central axis, addressing sustainable practices in construction and emphasizing the importance of reusing natural waste.
Percentage
We work with percentages to calculate the amount of coconut fiber required in relation to the other components of the brick. We also used percentages and statistical data, surveying public opinion with rural residents. Through socio-economic questions, we tried to show how many people lived in mud houses, how many people lived in the same house and whether they had problems with the proliferation of pests, such as the kissing bug, a common insect in the territory.
With this survey, we wanted to know the profile of the residents and also to find out how they would accept the bricks we were producing. Our idea was how to replace mud houses (also known as wattle and daub) with brick-built houses.
Standard deviation
We use standard deviation (a measure that reflects the amount of spread of a data set) to analyze variation in the results of brick strength and durability tests. This has helped us gain a better understanding of the consistency and quality of the content we provide.
Soil pollution
With this feature, we wanted to explore the environmental consequences of improper disposal of coconut fiber. We discuss how the reuse of this waste can mitigate these negative effects and improve environmental management in the community.
The project is aligned with the BNCC (National Common Core Curriculum) and the Sergipe curriculum. The documents promote general skills, such as valuing diversity, socio-environmental responsibility and the development of critical thinking and problem solving.
BNCC emphasizes the importance of putting knowledge, interdisciplinarity and project-based learning into context, elements of this initiative. Likewise, Sergipe’s curriculum encourages the practical application of knowledge gained in the classroom, strengthening the link between theory and practice and preparing students to face real challenges in their communities.
Personal Archive Students during research work with Umbúba residents
Phases of the project
- Collection and preparation of coconut fibers
To start the work, we collected coconut fibers. They are thrown out in vacant lots close to the homes of three students who are part of the project. Once collected, the fibers were subjected to a defibrillation process, using appropriate tools to separate the coconut fiber. With the fibers loose, they are left in the sun to dry and eliminate moisture. In this way the quality of the material is guaranteed for the next steps.
- A study of the properties of coconut
With the fibers separated, we performed tests to analyze the quality of the sand material and then studied the morphological structures of the coal to gain a better understanding of the physical properties.
- Brick production
First, we prepare a homogeneous mixture of coconut fiber, cement and water – from which the just try. The students actively participated in every step, from the preparation of the mixture to the shaping and drying of the bricks, using specific molds to ensure uniformity.
- Quality Tests
We carry out a series of tests to assess the quality of the bricks produced. We analyze size, density, specific mass, standard deviation, water absorption, resistance to axial compression, temperature variation, volumetric and acoustic expansion, and other factors such as durability through wetting and drying, and electrical-volumetric resistivity. We also conducted a comparative test between bricks produced with and without coconut fiber, to evaluate the performance of each material.
One of the students, who is a carpenter, built a wooden press to facilitate the production of bricks. We followed the procedures recommended by the Brazilian Portland Cement Association and let the material dry for seven days. In just one hour, we were able to produce up to 16 bricks by hand.
Effect on students
Students actively participated, from initial research to practical application and testing. This direct involvement allowed them to apply scientific theories in practice, developing critical and creative skills.
Since 2023, when we started the project, students have been running workshops in villages close to the school, teaching residents how to produce bricks in a sustainable way.
Also, we are visiting other schools to share what we have learned with other students in the state network, and encourage other classes to reproduce what we have done here. On one of these visits, we launched a project where students produce bricks to build an indoor garden.
Local impacts and future actions
It is estimated that around 6.7 million tonnes of coconut shell are consumed each year in Brazil. The country is the fifth largest producer of coconut in the world and Sergipe appears to be the fourth state with the highest production volume.
Our project innovates in the way it promotes learning by integrating knowledge from different fields and bringing students into a practical project that is directly related to the community. Using low-cost materials has shown that sustainable and effective solutions can be developed with limited resources.
During the implementation of the proposal, we faced several difficulties, such as the variation in the quality of the coconut fibers collected and the need to adjust the proportion of the materials used to guarantee the consistency of the bricks. We had a big challenge to get materials such as cement and the press, as the school’s laboratory is not equipped for this type of project. I even had to buy materials with my own money. However, we managed to overcome these difficulties with constant adjustments and a lot of experimentation.
Identification and next steps
The community received the initiative positively, recognizing the educational and environmental value of the project. The practical and interdisciplinary approach was well received, and the results obtained showed the importance of promoting sustainability and innovation in the school environment.
The tests carried out showed that the bricks produced with coconut fiber showed satisfactory physical and mechanical properties, which contributed to the awareness of the importance of waste management and the viability of sustainable solutions in civil construction.
The project had a significant impact on both the students and the school. For students, there were improvements in learning, the development of critical and creative skills, and a deep understanding of sustainability and applied science. They also started sharing with their families, especially the issue of waste reuse and sustainable practices. They took an active part, learning how to work as a team and solving practical problems.
For the school, our project encouraged other interdisciplinary practices, promoting an environment of innovation and sustainability. The school climate improved with the students’ active participation in community initiatives, which left a legacy of environmental awareness and practical innovation.
Although we have not built any (yet), we have been able to prove that our brick is efficient, low cost, sustainable and resistant.
We presented our project at two important science fairs: Febrace (Brazilian Science and Engineering Fair), in São Paulo (SP), and at MilSet Brasil, in Fortaleza (CE). Our project is relevant and many people come to us
The next step is to patent our project. With this, we hope to get more support – including financial support - to go ahead and build something with our bricks.
Makel Bruno Oliveira Santos
Graduated in Biological Sciences – Full Degree from Universidade Tiradentes (2009) and in Pedagogy from FACIBRA (Faculty of Sciences Wenceslau Braz) (2019). He is a specialist in Teaching and Distance Learning from the University of Tiradentes (2010) and in Educational Management from UNINASSAU (2020). He has a postgraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and Early
Ness and responsibility among the students and residents.
Moving forward, we plan to expand the project by including more recycled materials and developing additional workshops focused on sustainable practices. Collaborating with local NGOs and environmental organizations will enhance our outreach and impact, encouraging other schools in the region to adopt similar initiatives.
We also aim to conduct ongoing assessments to refine our brick production process, ensuring we maintain high standards while minimizing our ecological footprint. By sharing our results through community presentations and educational fairs, we hope to inspire a broader movement towards sustainable living and environmental stewardship in our community.
this project has not only provided students with hands-on experience in environmental management but also fostered a sense of responsibility and engagement with their community. Together, we are paving the way for more sustainable practices and a greener future.