Geovana dos Santos Barros, Taynara Maria Andrade dos Santos, Maria Andrielle Alves de Moura, Vanderley Ferreira Silva Costa, Cintia de Souza Clementino, José Carlos de Carvalho Arraes, Daniela Correia Grangeiro
Teaching Zoology in basic education, particularly insect-related content, involves challenges associated with conceptual understanding and student interest. This study analyzed the contributions of didactic models as a pedagogical aid in teaching insects. The research was conducted at a school in Ipiranga do Piauí with 19 elementary school students and one teacher. A four-question multiple-choice pre-test and a seven-question post-test were administered; four post-test questions assessed content and three evaluated students’ perceptions. Students also constructed didactic models, and the teacher answered a questionnaire about their frequency of use and limitations. The results indicated greater interest, participation, and performance. Didactic models therefore constitute an effective strategy and favor more meaningful learning, although lack of resources and planning time still limit their implementation.