Marcos Pontes, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, participated in an online class with the 9th-year students of the Adventist School of Santa Inês (EASI) on Thursday, August 27. Known for being the first Brazilian astronaut, Pontes received the invitation from Professor Wellyson Rocha, who teaches chemistry and physics. He wanted Pontes to talk to his students as they worked on a project to build rockets in class.
Rocha says that the idea for the invitation arose "because, in Brazil, Minister Pontes is the person who most understands rockets in practice, as he has already traveled to space."
Pontes' response was positive and the necessary arrangements were soon made. In his speech, Pontes shared his own journey as a student, a scientist, and what it is like to be in space. In addition, he encouraged teenagers to always dedicate their efforts to fulfilling their goals, and to always believe in their potential.
For student Evelyn Silva, the experience of listening to the minister was very remarkable.
“He told us about what happens in space and what it felt like to be there,” she says. “That was the part I liked the most. He told us that we can never give up on our dreams; that is, we need to study and go for it.”
Due to the pandemic, it is not yet possible to return to school in person, so school administrators continue to present classes which build maximum interest in students.
“The rocket project fits perfectly with the 9th-grade physics and chemistry curriculum,” explains Patrícia Oliveira, director of EASI. “So, no one better to talk about rockets than a real astronaut, who is still acting Minister of State.”
This special class with Pontes was highlighted in the local media, with a report broadcast by TV Mirante, Rede Globo broadcaster in the State of Maranhão.
This article was originally published on the South American Division’s Portuguese news site