Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense - Unesc
Science of Speed
Finalist, Student engagement
About
The Science of Speed project is a scientific olympiad aimed at high school students that uses the prototyping of pneumatically propelled vehicles as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teaching strategy. Coordinated by UNESC in partnership with UNIPLAC, UNOCHAPECÓ, FURB, and CNPq, the initiative integrates concepts of physics, aerodynamics, and engineering into pedagogical practice. The methodology comprises five stages, ranging from theoretical leveling through quizzes to competitions on an instrumented track. In 2025, the project achieved statewide coverage in Santa Catarina, engaging 705 students and promoting social inclusion, with 80% of the spots allocated to public schools and support for regions with low HDI. In addition to technical development, the initiative focuses on knowledge transfer through maker laboratories and on human resource development via video lessons and scientific initiation scholarships. The project is consolidated as a scalable model for science communication, connecting academia, basic education, and technological innovation.
Top 3 learnings
- We observed that the reality of high school differed from expectations, varying across the regions involved.
- We identified additional improvements that can be implemented, beyond those already planned, to further enhance the event.
- We learned that when motivated to participate and compete, students demonstrate remarkable creativity in using reusable materials to build their cars.
Sustainable Development Goals
| 2026 | |
| Student engagement | |
| Finalist, International |
