The AEB Escola Program
- Paper number
IAC-07-E1.2.04
- Author
Mrs. Ivette Rodrigues, Brazilian Space Agency, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Himilcon Carvalho, Brazil
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) sponsors an outreach program aiming at the promotion of the Brazilian space activities among students and teachers of fundamental and high level schools. The program, called AEB Escola, was created in 2003 and, since then, has led the space theme to thousands of students and teachers. The main goal of the AEB School Program is to promote the Brazilian Space Program among students and teachers. Additionally, it pretends to use the space theme as a way to improve the youth interest by the studies in general, and the sciences in particular. The focus of the program is on the teachers who, ultimately, are the ones responsible for taking the subject to the students. They also warranty the continuity of the program. An Astronautics and Space Science Course is taught to the teachers by researchers involved with the Brazilian Space Program Activities. The course has over 100 hours of activities about the following themes: Astronomy, Satellite Launcher Vehicles, Satellites and Space Platforms, Remote Sensing, Meteorology and Environmental Sciences, Projects´s Learning. The AEB Escola Program also promotes lots of activities with students including, among others, lectures, contests, exhibitions and hands-on activities. One of the consequences of such initiatives was the development of two experiments taken to the International Space Station on April 2006 by the Brazilian astronaut. Additionally, a nationwide contest called Brazilian Astronomy and Astronautical Olympics (OBA) occurs every year involving nearly half million students, with ages varying from 7 to 17. The five best qualified students are taken to the International Astronomy Olympics, where Brazil has obtained some medals. The best 25 qualified students of OBA are taken, together with their teachers, to the city of São José dos Campos, in the state of São Paulo, to participate on the Spacial Journey. The Journey lasts a week along which the participants get a chance to know the activities and infrastructure of the National Institute of Space Research (INPE) and Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE), the leading Brazilian institutions linked to Space Activities. The material used with the teachers is produced by a net of partners including universities and the Brazilian Ministry of Education. The material is produced both in paper and electronics media: CD and DVD being distributed, free of charges for thousands of schools. The paper presents the concepts, methodologies, achievements and perspectives of AEB Escola Program.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E1.2.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.