Science Days Challenge Honors Teachers

Event Committee creates award for team mentors

Teacher César Cascioli (upper left corner), his coworker and helper, Cláudia Longatti (third photo from the first row - left to right), and his students, who are SDC participants

Highlighting the important role that teachers play in the process of personal development and professional training of the countless students enrolled in The Science Days Challenge. This is the purpose of their new project initiative, which brings the educator as the main protagonist.

Encouraging group work and developing students´ passion for STEM beyond the classroom are just some of the contributions that SDC team advisors have made over the years. It was to recognize this effective participation that the category “SDC Jundiai Teacher STEAM Engagement” was developed. “We understand that the teacher is a key part of stimulating students at SDC and recognizing this partnership is a source of pride for us”, said Science Days President Mike Lester. Thus, during Science Days 2021 in Brazil, an official certificate and Apollo 11 gold metal will be given to a pedagogue chosen as highlight in the involvement of his students in the activities of the event.

A transformer of our existing reality. This was the definition given by the teacher at the Schools Padre Anchieta institution, César Cascioli, about what it means to be a teacher. Mentor of four teams participating in the Science Days Challenge – Flores e Abelhas, Sementes, Solclovia and Biadegradabolotas– the professional stated that the proposal for a new category of awards with the educator in focus is fundamental symbol for the valorization of education as a tool for social transformation. “I feel very honored”, he said.

Respecting students for their ideas and wishes is the philosophy addressed by César when guiding his teams in the search for solutions to problems in their community. Inspired, his students came together to develop sustainable practices – such as the creation of urban cycle paths covered by solar panels mixed with green roofs and the construction of a flower corridor – to deal with issues such as urban mobility, clean energy and the threat of bee extinction. “Projects such as this one makes students think about their world, seeking creative and inventive solutions to the most diverse problems faced in their daily lives”, said the professional. The professor also pointed out that his biggest prize is seeing his students do what they like.
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The vote will be public and should be made by students, co-workers and team members until October 15th on the portal:
​http://www.sciencedays.org/sdc-teacher-award-jundiai.html. The official announcement will be conducted by the director of Science Days USA at Kennedy Space Center.
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- Luma keily