Itinerant science

• Grant number: 06/57359-7
• Support Opportunities: Science Centers in the State of São Paulo Research Program
• Start date: February 01, 2007
• End date: July 31, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Education - Educational Teaching and Learning
• Agreement: VITAE
• Principal Investigator: Marta Silvia Maria Mantovani
• Grantee: Marta Silvia Maria Mantovani
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Cultura e Extensão Universitária (PRCEU). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The CienTec Park is developing itinerant informal teaching activities, aiming to provide access to science for excluded communities. The idea of this project ties been initially supported by Vitae, which provided money to acquire important pieces for the project. Presently, CienTec owns a small/lorry, a 14 seats van, 6 large size portable shelters, and a 3D portable real virtuality system, besides other varied real and virtual exhibits. The lorry was acquired with Ministry of Culture money. The exhibits are entertaining although maintaining their rigid scientific character. A parabolic antenna to be coupled with the lorry is required for transporting the internet is not yet available; this will allow to fulfill digital inclusion in those communities where digital technology it is not yet available. In addition to the teaching material that has been developed in the last 12 months, new exhibits and teaching material are scheduled to be developed, in order to enlarge the thematic to be offered. To reach this target, the addition of scholarships for training and capableness of human resources is crucial. (AU)