Alunos da EMEB. Dr. Vicente Zammite Mammana (Grupo Escolar de Vila Planalto) conquistam Medalha de Aproveitamento Exemplar do Projeto “O Brasil na Antártica”, em São Bernardo do Campo - IMG_9420

Alunos da Profª. Maria da Fé Silva Cordeiro concluiram com louvor o Programa Pequeno Grande Cientista, apresentado em conjunto com o Dr. Vasco de Jesus Rodrigues, no período de 01/10/2012 a 14/11/2012, nas dependências da Emeb. Dr. Vicente Zammite Mammana (originalmente denominado Grupo Escolar de Vila Planalto), em São Bernardo do Campo.

O Professor Dr. Vasco de Jesus Rodrigues, diretor do Centro de Estudos Internacionais de São Paulo (CEISP), presenteou cada um dos formandos com a Medalha de Aproveitamento Exemplar do Projeto “O Brasil na Antártica”.

A atividade acadêmica denominada “O Brasil na Antártica" compreende o estudo dos aspectos históricos, científicos e ambientais daquele continente. Durante um mês, seus participantes realizam, dentre outras:

1) Pesquisas;

2) Produção de texto individual e coletivo;

3) Produção de arte individual e coletiva;

4) Realização de leitura pública dos resultados das pesquisas individuais; e

5) Dinâmica provocativa durante as palestras semanais.

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Dr. Vasco de Jesus Rodrigues during educational activity highlighting the importance of Brazilian research in Antarctica. The event took place at the EMEB Dr. Vicente Zammite Mammana, in Vila Planalto, São Bernardo do Campo. Participating students are 8 years old attending their 3rd grade, and having Ms. Maria da Fé Silva Cordeiro as their teacher.

1. The Elementary Education System in Brazil - an overview

Originally known as Grupo Escolar de Vila Planalto (GEVP), our elementary school is part of the São Bernardo do Campo City public school system. All the other approximately 6,760 towns throughout Brazil follow a similar format, that is, elementary education is organized and implemented by local city governments. Private elementary schools are likewise available for those that can so choose and afford.

Unfortunately, similarities seem to end then and there, because, unlike conditions found at Grupo Escolar de Vila Planalto, most school systems in this immense country offer far from acceptable educational standards to their students. Evidence gathered while presenting the "Little Big Scientist Program" at the school gave us the impression of working at the premises of an affluent society, one in which education is held in high standards, as evidenced by what we witnessed during our activities there, such as:

1.1. Classes begin at 7 in the morning and end at 12 noon; a light breakfast is served to students prior to start of classroom activities, while lunch is served at 10:30;

1.2. Student's uniforms, tennis shoes, books and classroom material are supplied by the city free of charge;

1.3. Dentists visit the school on a regular basis to distribute tooth paste and tooth brushes, check student’s health, and give them proper training on that regard;

1.4. Students have access to internet, library, art and sports activities daily;

1.5. The school provides transport so that students can have guided visits to museums, historical sites, cultural and artistic events; and

1.6. The principal, teachers and regular staff are really motivated and trained appropriately to perform their tasks and responsibilities;

2. The "Little Big Scientist Program "

The concept of the "Little Big Scientist Program " evolved and became a reality in order to fill an enormous gap in Brazilian education: that of motivating young learners to discover scientific events and concepts in playful and interesting ways.

This project lasts about one month, during which students have exercise different skills such as reading, writing, drawing, public speaking, and learning about new areas. At GEVP, for example, with our close partnership with their teacher, Ms. Cordeiro, the little learners had to read about different topics on Antarctica one week prior to our presentation; they were asked to produce a text and drawings related to Antarctica; their final work will be the oral presentation given by them on the last day of the project. Students are awarded a certificate of participation upon completion of the "Little Big Scientist Program ".

During our presentation they asked the list of questions they had prepared, along with plenty more on the spot. All 20 students asked at least one question; some are listed below:

 

Why is it important to protect the Antarctic environment for future generations? (André);

Why is Antarctica important for the study of climate change and geological research? (Camille);

Does the Antarctic fauna have many kinds of species? What do they eat? (Eduardo);

Did you ever save any animal in Antarctica? (Eduardo);

Why is it important to preserve the Antarctic fauna? (Emanuel);

How do penguins live in Antarctica? (Erick);

What will happen if the Antarctic ice melts one day? (Kauan);

What animals are more frequently seen in Antarctica? How was Antarctica formed? How many people live in Antarctica? Can people live there permanently? (Estela);

Is there any kind of rock formation beneath the permanent Antarctic ice cap? (Gabriel);

Why and which countries have economic interests in Antarctica? (Gabrielly);

How cold does it get in Antarctica? (Julia);

Who owns Antarctica? Is it a part of a country? Is it privately owned? How does that work? (Leonardo);

How important is the Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctic Station? (Maria Fernanda);

How is daily life in Antarctica compared to life in Brazil? (Matheus);

What kind of clothes do researchers wear while working in Antarctica? (Matheus);

What is the most interesting animal in Antarctica and why? (Nathalia);

Which are the closest countries to Antarctica? (Pedro);

Are there any bears in Antarctica? If so, do they really hibernate in winter? (Rafael);

How was your first day in Antarctica? (Rayane);

Who joined you while in Antarctica? (Thiago).

 

Done