Abstract:

Interdisciplinary is an important element in overcoming the complex challenges of the real world. In this context, mathematics is a key in interdisciplinary collaborations, providing robust analytical frameworks and versatile tools that offer unique insights and solutions applicable across other fields. Additionally, the Lifelong Education of teachers is vital, because it allows them to acquire the skills to deal with interdisciplinary approaches, technological changes and evolution of school dynamics, among other possibilities.

This work presents a case study that exemplifies the intersection of mathematics with other subjects, highlighting its transformative potential and profound implications. The project began as part of an ongoing training activity, within Lifelong Education, in which the lead teacher participated. Given the concerns related to unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, which have detrimental effects on public health, these topics were addressed. This case study details a Health Education Project to promote healthy eating and physical activity at a Portuguese school for 2nd and 3rd cycle students. The project explores how mathematics, particularly data analysis techniques, can be integrated with Natural Sciences, Physical Education and Information and Communication Technologies.

The students developed the project in several phases: survey design, data collection, data preprocessing and cleaning, exploratory data analysis and conclusions. The findings from the data analysis were translated into recommendations and activities within Physical Education and Natural Sciences to address the challenges of unhealthy eating habits and insufficient physical activity.

Keywords:

Mathematics in basic education, interdisciplinary, lifelong education, data analysis.