Education Brazil Project #72032

Universe Study Club

by Instituto Alpha Lumen

Project Report | Apr 22, 2026
Universe Study Club - Second Report

By Adriana Gutierrez Galicia | Project Manager

Project Overview
Universe Study Club (CEU)

CEU is an educational project that uses astronomy as a tool to spark curiosity, strengthen students’ connection with school, and expand access to scientific knowledge. Through hands-on and immersive experiences, we promote critical thinking and encourage young people to explore new possibilities for their future.

Activity Highlights:

• Science Days: participation in one of the main science and technology events in São José dos Campos (SP), held on March 13–14, 2025. Inspired by Space Day in Florida, the event broadens young people’s access to role models in the field and raises awareness about the importance of science, technology, and the aerospace industry for society and the economy.

• Pastel Aurora Borealis: an artistic and sensory activity in which students recreate the northern lights, visually and practically understanding how the interaction between solar particles and Earth’s atmosphere produces this phenomenon.

• Earth Layers Fan: creation of an interactive resource that allows students to explore, in a playful way, the different layers of the planet, facilitating the understanding and retention of geological concepts.

• Recycled Materials Satellite Workshop: development of satellite prototypes using reused materials, combining creativity and sustainability while students learn about their functions in communication and Earth monitoring.

• Stellarium Exploration: use of a virtual planetarium to simulate the sky in real time, enabling students to identify constellations, recognize zodiac signs, and observe planets, making learning more interactive and meaningful.

The project uses astronomy as a powerful educational tool to spark curiosity, promote school engagement, and expand access to scientific knowledge, contributing to a more critical, creative, and globally connected education.

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Dec 23, 2025
Universe Study Club - First Report

By Adriana Gutierrez Galicia | Project Manager

Universe Studies Club (CEU)Project Overview

The Universe Studies Club (CEU) is an educational project that uses astronomy as a tool to spark curiosity, promote student engagement, and expand access to scientific knowledge. Through hands-on workshops, a mobile planetarium, astronomical observations, and educational kits, CEU provides immersive experiences that support school retention, stimulate critical thinking, and contribute to students’ scientific development.

Project Highlights

During the period under review, CEU made consistent progress in its mission to foster interest in science and broaden access to high-quality educational experiences in the field of astronomy.

Main highlights of the quarter:

Implementation of guided and hands-on daytime and nighttime astronomical observations.

One of the main milestones of the period was participation in the 81st Rocket Journey, a face-to-face competitive event linked to the Brazilian Astronomy and Astronautics Olympiad (OBA), held in Barra do Piraí, Rio de Janeiro.

Teams competed in the water-and-air propulsion rocket category;
The experience involved building and launching rockets made from PET bottles;
Students engaged directly with concepts of physics, engineering, and teamwork;
The event promoted interaction with young people from different regions of the country, in addition to workshops, lectures, and formative activities.

This experience strengthened youth leadership, cooperation, and participants’ interest in scientific and technological fields.

Training and Scientific Engagement

Participation in the Science Communication course offered by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
Delivery of planetarium sessions at Conexão Juventude, expanding access to immersive astronomy experiences.
Participation in the Rubin Comet Catchers program.
Attendance at the 11th Annual BRICS Astronomy Working Group.

These activities reaffirm the Universe Studies Club’s commitment to continuous scientific education, the expansion of students’ cultural and scientific repertoire, and the strengthening of school retention through meaningful educational experiences.

Links:

http://www.alphalumen.org.br

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