Science Festival 2024 brings technology and innovation to public school students, at Nave do Conhecimento

Science Festival 2024 brought together students from public schools at the Engenhão Knowledge Ship - Pedro Soares/Knowledge Ship

Public school students participated in the 29 Science Festival on Friday (11/2024) at the Engenhão Knowledge Ship. The event, which addressed astronomy and environmental awareness, among other topics, was dedicated to popularizing science, technology, and innovation and provided a day with many free activities. The festival, open to the general public, was promoted by the Municipal Department of Science and Technology.

With a diverse program, the event featured workshops, lectures, discussion groups and exhibitions, addressing topics such as astronomy, mathematics, chemistry and environmental awareness, demonstrating how new technologies can drive progress and discussions in these areas.

– Events like the Science Festival have a positive impact on the entire community, as they create an environment conducive to the dissemination of science and scientific literacy. We need to encourage actions to ensure that science is always valued in Brazil – highlighted Thereza Paiva, Municipal Secretary of Science and Technology.

Among the attractions, there were interactive and playful exhibitions, with technological solutions and work developed by institutions that contribute to scientific advancement. The public was able to see the presentation of collections of minerals, rocks and fossils, in addition to participating in activities such as observing the sun and immersing themselves in the traditions of indigenous peoples, with examples of ritual songs and much more.

– It is very important to be able to provide students with this type of event, which allows them to experience the universe of scientific knowledge, especially taking students out of school and bringing them to a space like this, as most of them do not have the opportunity to leave their hometown – said teacher Tatiane Moreira, from the Francis Hime Municipal School, located in Taquara, who took a group of students from the 7th, 8th and 9th grades to the festival.

The festival's program was supported by several institutions: UNIRIO, Earth Sciences Museum (MCTER), National Observatory (ON), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST), National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), Brazilian Center for Physics Research (CBPF), Mineral Technology Center (CETEM), UNIRIO/EEAP, Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA), Pedro II College, CEFET/RJ, Fluminense Federal University (UFF) and Idaco, the organization that manages Nave.

The Naves do Conhecimento mission is to democratize access to technology and scientific dissemination through its technological solutions and courses. The 2024 Science Festival was yet another action that aims to enrich the city's cultural and educational programming, offering the community a welcoming environment.