Between October 10 and December 21, 2022, the CNPEM took its Science Capsule project over 9,000 kilometers.
VVisitors from across Brazil plunged into the microscopic world within a geodesic dome measuring 95 square meters. Using 360-degree video, this immersive digital experience offered students and general audiences a chance to learn more about the CNPEM’s labs and the research there investigating major scientific questions in the search for solutions to the problems that challenge our society.
The Science Capsule began its trip in the city of Gaspar (SC), passed through Campinas (SP) for Science and Technology Week, continued to Guarapari (ES), Lagarto (SE), Quixeramobim (CE), National Science and Technology Week in Brasília (DF), and completed its route in Manaus (AM). These cities were selected because of projects presented by the teachers who participated in the ESPEM- Sirius School program for high school teachers, recognizing them for their professional efforts in the areas of education and scientific outreach.
According to Dr. Ângelo Pitanga, a teacher at the Federal Institute of Lagarto (SE), “I knew it was a unique opportunity since many people don’t have this experience of learning about and experiencing a bit of science. It’s marvelous to see young people excited, planning their futures and dreaming. A project like the Science Capsule provides experiences that call attention to the production of science. It’s thrilling for adults, young people, and children.”
Besides the immersive experience, the visitors got a look at the CNPEM facilities through the 360 Virtual Tour, explored the interactive mock-up of Sirius, and learned more about the Ilum School of Science and Technology. João Clêyver da Silva Fernandes, a 9-year-old living in Quixeramobim (CE), said he had never participated in anything like it: “When I saw that capsule I felt inspired to do scientific research and also work at Sirius. So I’m sure that if people see these presentations they’ll feel inspired to work in science, and we will have more scientists and we’ll be able to advance even further in modern technology.”
Nearly 14,000 children and adults from Brazil’s five regions visited the Science Capsule. Of the 6,808 visitors who completed an evaluation survey during the event, 46% were high school students, and the remaining 53% were in middle school or university. The survey also found that 62% of the visitors had never heard of the CNPEM, showing the importance of bringing traveling projects out into society.
What Helena dos Santos Alves, a 13-year-old who lives in Campinas (SP), found most impressive about the Science Capsule was the work of the scientists: “I think it’s inspiring to see people who dedicate themselves to science, who are interested in quality of life, in fauna and flora, in the world in general, it really appeals to me.”
As for their experiences, roughly 70% of respondents gave top scores for feelings of satisfaction, happiness, pride, and inspiration about the science that takes place at the CNPEM. Some of the most common words they used to describe the experience were “interesting,” “incredible,” “fabulous,” “cool,” “different,” and “unique.”
Visitors from across Brazil plunged into the microscopic world within a geodesic dome measuring 95 square meters. Using 360-degree video, this immersive digital experience offered students and general audiences a chance to learn more about the CNPEM’s labs and the research there investigating major scientific questions in the search for solutions to the problems that challenge our society.
The Science Capsule began its trip in the city of Gaspar (SC), passed through Campinas (SP) for Science and Technology Week, continued to Guarapari (ES), Lagarto (SE), Quixeramobim (CE), National Science and Technology Week in Brasília (DF), and completed its route in Manaus (AM). These cities were selected because of projects presented by the teachers who participated in the ESPEM- Sirius School program for high school teachers, recognizing them for their professional efforts in the areas of education and scientific outreach.
According to Dr. Ângelo Pitanga, a teacher at the Federal Institute of Lagarto (SE), “I knew it was a unique opportunity, since many people don’t have this experience of learning about and experiencing a bit of science. It’s marvelous to see the young people excited, planning their futures and dreaming. A project like the Science Capsule provides experiences that call attention to the production of science. It’s thrilling for adults, young people, and children.”
Besides the immersive experience, the visitors got a look at the CNPEM facilities through the 360 Virtual Tour, explored the interactive mock-up of Sirius, and learned more about the Ilum School of Science and Technology. João Clêyver da Silva Fernandes, a 9-year-old living in Quixeramobim (CE), said he had never participated in anything like it: “When I saw that capsule I felt inspired to do scientific research and also work at Sirius. So I’m sure that if people see these presentations they’ll feel inspired to work in science, and we will have more scientists and we’ll be able to advance even further in modern technology.”
Nearly 14,000 children and adults from Brazil’s five regions visited the Science Capsule. Of the 6,808 visitors who completed an evaluation survey during the event, 46% were high school students, and the remaining 53% were in middle school or university. The survey also found that 62% of the visitors had never heard of the CNPEM, showing the importance of bringing traveling projects out into society.
What Helena dos Santos Alves, a 13-year-old who lives in Campinas (SP), found most impressive about the Science Capsule was the work of the scientists: “I think it’s inspiring to see people who dedicate themselves to science, who are interested in the quality of life, in fauna and flora, in the world in general, it really appeals to me.”
Roughly 70% of respondents gave top scores for feelings of satisfaction, happiness, pride, and inspiration about the science
As for their experiences, roughly 70% of respondents gave top scores for feelings of satisfaction, happiness, pride, and inspiration about the science that takes place at the CNPEM. Some of the most common words they used to describe the experience were “interesting,” “incredible,” “fabulous,” “cool,” “different,” and “unique.”
About CNPEM
Sophisticated and effervescent environment for research and development, unique in Brazil and present in few scientific centers in the world, the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) is a private non-profit organization, under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). The Center operates four National Laboratories and is the birthplace of the most complex project in Brazilian science – Sirius – one of the most advanced synchrotron light sources in the world. CNPEM brings together highly specialized multi-thematic teams, globally competitive laboratory infrastructures open to the scientific community, strategic lines of investigation, innovative projects in partnership with the productive sector and training of researchers and students. The Center is an environment driven by the search for solutions with impact in the areas of Health, Energy and Renewable Materials, Agro-environment, and Quantum Technologies. As of 2022, with the support of the Ministry of Education (MEC), CNPEM expanded its activities with the opening of the Ilum School of Science. The interdisciplinary higher course in Science, Technology and Innovation adopts innovative proposals with the aim of offering excellent, free, full-time training with immersion in the CNPEM research environment. Through the CNPEM 360 Platform, it is possible to explore, in a virtual and immersive way, the main environments and activities of the Center, visit: https://pages.cnpem.br/cnpem360/.
