Science Days Challenge participants think about collective well-being

Encouraged by their teacher, the Protagonists team developed a digital book

Teacher Elio Silva (bottom corner - right) and the "Protagonists" Team

Professionals who innovate, stand out and go far beyond the classroom. According to the co-creator of Science Days Challenge, Jefferson Michaelis, teachers who inspire make a difference. "Not only in the lives of their students, but in the world," he said. In this way, the “SDC Jundiai Teacher STEM Engagement” award seeks to highlight the important role of the educator, not only regarding the engagement of groups in SDC activities, but as a social transformer. "It is an interesting prize because it seeks to recognize someone who does not seek recognition for what he does," said the professor Elio Silva.
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For the advisor, the contact of students with practical applications of concepts studied in class, through the Science Days Challenge, is fundamental. “This environment that breathes science and technology in the search for solutions to humanity´s great problems, arouses the desire of students to know more and contribute with their ideas”, he said. In this way, the event seeks to give voice to young people, and presents creativity as a strong ally in the development of ideas to solve Society's problems.

Storytelling was the way found by the educator to motivate his students. “This project was born when I realized that social isolation had saddened and demotivated a teenager,” said the professor. Thus, the idea of ​​presenting Bela with a book where she was the protagonist, became the mission of Elio and the student's classmates. The proposal was to show that she was strong enough to overcome the fear generated by the Coronavirus.
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In a short time, the project took on a new form, and the personalized digital book was put on sale for validation. "We went far beyond what we imagined," said the mentor. Because of the Science Days Challenge, the story “I cried happily!” has gained an English version and, among numerous new narratives being developed by the group, an adventure in outer space is under development. “To be a teacher is to plant seeds of good knowledge. Our performance is limited, and it is up to the student to take care of that acquired portion and make it germinate, flourish, promote life”, said Elio.
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Special thanks to KSCIA International Space Academy and InnovaSpace

(Photo courtesy of teacher Elio Silva)

- Luma Keily
International Correspondent