Encouraging the students to enhance their STEM knowledge, creativity, and commitment to society, Solve for Tomorrow has provided its participants with a platform to present their innovative ideas through captivating projects. In each country, the program engages with the entire academic community in the region. Teachers from Brazil who played a vital role in guiding their students throughout the Solve for Tomorrow journey, in particular, emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary approach.

Drawing on their expertise in various fields of industry, teachers, professors, and advisors have nurtured students’ ability to think critically and creatively. These mentors guide them through both theoretical and practical exercises by supporting them during testing phases and sharing their knowledge to contribute to the progress of students’ projects. This collaborative effort ensures that the projects reach their full potential, making an impact on their local communities.

Delving deeper into the field of science

One of the standout projects in 2022 Solve for Tomorrow Brazil was Horta Magnética, which won the third-place prize in the competition. This project was co-guided by a biology teacher and a geography teacher, showcasing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Vanessa, a biology expert, explained the concept of Horta Magnética, saying, “It’s a vegetable farming method that avoids the use of pesticides and accelerates plant growth using magnetic fields.” The project brought together the disciplines of biology and geography – the essential connection between vegetables and the soil they grow in.

Itacirene, the geography teacher, highlighted the significance of collaboration with teachers from other fields, such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry, throughout the project’s development. Their support was crucial in enabling students to delve deeper into the world of science while integrating innovative technology with geographical knowledge. “Before the students went into practice and got their hands dirty with soil, it was crucial for them to learn about regional climate and different soil types.”

Integrating STEM with art

In another inspiring collaboration, biology professor Heloina and art teacher Eduardo guided the ARBOCAPS project, which emerged as a national winner in the 2022 competition. The project aimed to combat arboviruses by creating sustainable, biodegradable capsules.

During the prototype design stage, the students drew upon content from their art classes, and other subjects, such as Portuguese, played vital roles in written production and text interpretation. Eduardo emphasized the expansive possibilities of integrating STEM with art, stating, “We saw how art is essential for the development of a quality project. This experience also opened possibilities for other teachers at the school. It is highly STEM-based but integrative.”

Students’ projects demonstrated the merging of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and art not only fostered innovation but also cultivated a holistic approach to problem-solving. Students and teachers altogether learned about the power of collaboration and the immense potential that arises when different disciplines join forces to address real-world challenges.