In 2023, we conducted our 5th edition of MCCM, entirely online, reaching girls and women from all over the country and even beyond. We had speakers who are scientists working in Brazil and other countries, with registrations from all Brazilian states and other countries. We reduced the number of spots to improve the girls' engagement and allow for closer monitoring. This edition included 50 girls from public and private schools and 23 monitors from various universities across the country, contributing to the project's success once again. In addition to the course for girls in elementary school, the third edition of the Training Course for Basic Education Teachers, including teacher trainees, stood out.
In the first semester, the course for girls in the final years of elementary school involved a continuous practical activity over four weeks and lectures carefully prepared by distinguished women scientists in biology, physics, mathematics, computing, and chemistry, all available on our platform. The girls actively participated in weekly discussion circles, presenting questions to the speakers and enhancing their perception of their potential to become scientists. Daily monitoring by our volunteer monitors through WhatsApp groups aimed to clarify doubts, share progress in activities, and provide information about virtual meetings. The girls also participated in a mini-symposium in the final meeting to present their practical activity, giving them the opportunity to be protagonists and experience what it means to be a scientist. At the end of the course, each participant received a distinguished participation certificate as recognition.
Another novelty of this edition was the separation of the course for girls from the course for basic education teachers and the inclusion of teacher trainees. Recognizing the importance of these professionals in bringing girls closer to science, the training included knowledge related to gender equity, aligning with MCCM's objectives. The teachers' course was conducted over three weeks in the second semester and included around 80 teachers and teacher trainees. Participants had access to lectures by renowned women scientists and activity scripts to carry out with their students, as well as a discussion circle with the scientists to converse and clarify any doubts that arose. In the final course meeting, participants developed a lesson plan addressing the course themes and participated in a mini-symposium to present their productions. At the end, the participants received a distinguished certificate from UFABC for their effective participation.
The MCCM team thanks all the girls, monitors, guest scientists, teachers, and teacher trainees for their participation. This edition was a great success once again due to everyone's involvement, curiosity, and effort. It is always a great pleasure to count on and exchange with all of you. May we increasingly transform the world so that more and more girls and women become interested in the fields of Science.
Menina Ciência – Ciência Menina UFABC: A world of possibilities!
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