SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION AND TEACHER EDUCATION: Extensionist possibilities in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This paper presents an experience of extensionist scientific dissemination, linked to the curriculum of a science undergraduate course, called Scientist for a day, during the Covid-19 pandemic. The proposal was characterized by synchronous meetings with basic education students to carry out investigative experimental activities that dialogued with current scientific issues. During the years 2020 and 2021, about 290 students from 13 public and private schools participated in the activities, monitored by extension fellows. The results indicate that, despite the remote environment hindering the interactions between the participating students, they were able to express their doubts and opinions throughout the meetings. The activity is an important formative component for future teachers, who were able to learn about the reality of remote teaching in basic education and the difficulties faced by teachers during the pandemic. In addition, the experience enabled a dialogical relationship between the university and the schools, professional interaction, and the strengthening of the teaching-research-extension triad.