Brazil Advances Science Education with Maker Labs in Mato Grosso and Acre
Mato Grosso and Acre states enhance science education through Maker Labs as part of a national initiative promoting innovation and inclusive learning in Brazil’s public schools.
- • Mato Grosso’s Seduc expanded Maker Labs to state schools, equipping each with a dedicated teacher and student scholars.
- • Acre's Ifac established five Maker labs in public schools, focusing on digital literacy and robotics.
- • Both initiatives are part of the federal Mais Ciência na Escola program organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
- • The program emphasizes inclusive, hands-on learning and has gained national recognition, including female student leadership in Mato Grosso.
Key details
Brazil is making significant strides in enhancing science and innovation education through regional and national initiatives, highlighted by the deployment of Maker Labs in public schools within the states of Mato Grosso and Acre. These efforts are part of the federal program "Mais Ciência na Escola" (More Science in School), coordinated by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI).
In Mato Grosso, the State Secretary of Education (Seduc-MT) has expanded access to science, technology, and innovation by equipping schools with LabMaker spaces. Each participating school receives a dedicated Maker Lab staffed by a scholarship teacher and ten student scholars, focusing on pedagogical methods that promote experimentation, creativity, and problem-solving. The initiative, which seeks to include diverse student populations—including urban, rural, indigenous, and quilombola communities—was showcased during a national meeting in Brasília from March 24 to 26, 2026. Notably, the EEDIEB Prof. Milton Marques Curvo school in Cáceres earned national recognition for its all-female student involvement in the program, an achievement acknowledged by Minister Luciana Santos. The program is a joint effort between Seduc and the State University of Mato Grosso (Unemat), aligned with the Full-Time School Program and emphasizing STEAM education.
Meanwhile, the Instituto Federal do Acre (Ifac) marked progress through its "Maker School: Science and Innovation" project, which established five Maker labs in Acre's public schools last year. Professor William Pedrosa Maia, who led the project, attended the national event alongside students and teachers from Acre. The project emphasizes digital literacy, science popularization, and hands-on learning in technologies like 3D modeling, programming, and robotics. Participants highlighted how the program boosted student engagement, creativity, and knowledge exchange. The initiative also encourages participation in scientific competitions such as the Brazilian Robotics Olympiad, fostering a vibrant scientific culture in Acre’s educational system.
Together, these regional efforts demonstrate Brazil's commitment to enriching science education through practical, collaborative, and inclusive approaches. The national meeting in Brasília provided a platform for students and educators to share successful experiences and reinforce the growing network dedicated to science and innovation in schools across the country.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
