Brazilian Cities Boost Science Education with Big Investments and Public Festivals
Belém invests R$ 9 million in technology education while Rio de Janeiro hosts a public science festival promoting environmental awareness and interactive learning.
- • Belém and MCTI signed a R$ 9 million agreement for enhancing technology and science education in schools.
- • Programs like Mais Ciência na Escola and Pop Ciência will be implemented to include digital tech and sustainability.
- • Rio de Janeiro hosts Festival da Ciência pelo Clima with 21 institutions, focusing on interactive and environmental science activities.
- • These initiatives align with Brazil’s broader strategy to foster science education and public engagement, linked also to COP30 events.
Key details
In an effort to deepen science and technology education across Brazil, two major initiatives have been launched recently in Belém and Rio de Janeiro, showcasing the country’s commitment to developing young scientific talent and public engagement with environmental issues.
In Belém, Pará, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) partnered with the city’s municipal government to invest R$ 9 million over 36 months aimed at enhancing technological education in municipal schools. The agreement, signed on October 12 by MCTI Minister Luciana Santos and Mayor Igor Normando, focuses on creating new technology classrooms and scientific laboratories. Programs such as Mais Ciência na Escola and Pop Ciência will be implemented to integrate digital technologies and sustainability topics into the school curriculum, encouraging curiosity and engagement in science among students. This partnership also supports educational activities aligned with the COP30 event being hosted in Belém. Lori Santos emphasized how "science transforms the future" while Mayor Normando highlighted the initiative's role in expanding educational opportunities and the city's development.
Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro has launched the Festival da Ciência pelo Clima at Quinta da Boa Vista, running November 14 and 15, involving 21 educational and research institutions, including Fiocruz, UFRJ, and UERJ. The festival offers interactive educational games, virtual reality film screenings, debates on environmental education, and urban challenges, along with cultural performances. The event aims to promote science education and raise environmental awareness among the public through fun and immersive activities, such as rocket demonstrations and theatrical presentations. Prominent figures like Tatiana Roque will participate in the festival's opening, emphasizing the event's significance in public science outreach.
These initiatives demonstrate how Brazilian cities are leveraging investments and community engagement to embed science and environmental education into their cultures, promoting sustainability and technological development from the school level to the broader public.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.