Science Dissemination: An Instrument for Socially Including and Awakening Scientific and Technological Vocations in Youth Around the Country

Abstract

Researchers from the Group of Optics (Institute of Physics – University of São Paulo) have been carrying out intense activities for the dissemination of Science since 2001, through itinerant exhibitions, workshops and science fairs in schools and public spaces. Additionally, they manage the Science Channel TV, 24 hours in the air, while keeping science columns in radio, websites and newspapers. Through these media, scientific innovation is sent to various regions of our country. Another important activity is the organization of the Physics Olympiad and Physics Olympiad in Public Schools, which counted together with the provision of 863.402 students in the first phase. The present work explains the general activities of diffusion of the Group of Optics, especially the training of teachers and monitor students. In their testimonies monitors cite as benefits of projects their scientific knowledge expansion, as well as significant improvement in the ability of public speaking and ability to organize events and to respond to unforeseen situations. We hope that such actions will expand the field of possibilities that these young people have in the market job, and grant them with a more effective and positive attitude to the many challenges of life.