Geopolitical Actions and Activities Aimed at Technical-Scientific Training in the Space Sector

Abstract

The world has undergone accelerated economic, political and social changes with the globalization of communications through artificial satellites. These changes reflected directly on the dynamism of education but, still, without encouraging the role of students in the learning process. Interest in Science and Technology, as well as space exploration, is often associated with subcultures that embrace specific entertainment media rather than actual scientific research as a vocational incentive. With few young people pursuing careers in mathematics and science, there is a shortage of qualified professionals for roles in Aerospace Science and Technology. However, there are already signs that this situation is reversible through innovative educational initiatives carried out by public or private entities that invest in young people and the creation of alternatives for a different world. Playful activities and the STEAM methodology - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics emerge as an interesting tool to attract students to courses in Exact and Earth Sciences and integrate them into space activities. This work researched successful vocational initiatives, particularly in Australia, Brazil and the United States of America, analyzing the STEAM model with a multidisciplinary learning approach and classroom use of activities focused on hands-on practices. The result was the proposal of new actions that, in the short, medium and long term, can improve the model of the Brazilian initiative, such as the Augusto Severo Space Technological Vocational Center (Centro Vocacional Tecnológico Espacial Augusto Severo) in Rio Grande do Norte and attract students to careers related to space.