Space education and outreach symposium (E1.). Structures for space education (2.)

Abstract

The Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) sponsors an outreach program aimed at promoting Brazilian space activities among students and teachers of primary and secondary schools. The program, called AEB Escola (Brazilian Space Agency School), was created in 2003 and, since then, has taken the space theme to thousands of students and teachers.The main goal of the AEB Escola Program is to make the Brazilian Space Program known among students and teachers. Additionally, it intends to use the space theme as a way to increase youth interest in studies in general, and in sciences in particular. The program focuses on teachers who, ultimately, are the ones responsible for introducing the subject to their students. And who also guarantee the continuity of the Program.An Astronautics and Space Science course is given to teachers by researchers involved with the Brazilian Space Program activities. The course has over 100h of activities covering the following themes: Astronomy, Satellite Launcher Vehicles, Satellites and Space Platforms, Remote Sensing, Meteorology and Environmental Sciences, and Projects's Learning.The AEB Escola Program also promotes many other activities among students including lectures, contests, interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities. One of the consequences of such initiatives was the creation of two experiments taken to the International Space Station in April 2006 by the Brazilian astronaut, Marcos Pontes.Moreover, a nationwide contest called Brazilian Astronomy and Astronautical Olympics (OBA) is held every year involving nearly half a million students, with ages ranging from 7 to 17. The top five students are taken to the International Astronomy Olympics, where Brazil has obtained many medals.The top 50 students of OBA are taken, along with their teachers, to the city of São José dos Campos, in the state of São Paulo, to participate in the Space Journey event. The journey lasts a week during which the participants get a chance to learn about the activities and infrastructure of the National Institute of Space Research (INPE) and the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE), the leading Brazilian institutions linked to Space activities.The material used by the teachers is produced by a net of partners, including universities and the Brazilian Ministry of Education. The material is produced both in printed and electronics format: CDs and DVDs, being distributed, free of charge, to thousands of schools. The paper introduces the concepts, methods, achievements and perspectives of the AEB Escola Program.