Students of the Sandoval Soares de Azevedo School, which belongs to the Helena Antipoff Foundation (FHA) complex, in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (RMBH) in Ibírité, affiliated to the State Department of Education of Minas Gerais (SEE/MG). ), became a finalist in the Brazil Science and Engineering Fair (Febrace), the country’s largest science promotion fair. The award ceremony for the best project will take place on March 22, in Sao Paulo.
Students João Vitor Gómez and Arthur Gómez, both 17 years old and in their third year of high school at the institution, and under the guidance of math teacher Lidian Santos, developed “Home Electrolysis with Decrystallized H2O. “Hydrogen and Green Ammonia” project and the state public educational network, which has participants from all regions and educational network of the country, is presented at the fair.
Using a method called electrolysis, a prototype has been developed that produces green hydrogen that produces clean and renewable energy. The idea for the project was born out of a study by journalist and climate crisis expert David Foster Wallace, who says that about 85% of the carbon dioxide and methane released into the atmosphere comes from burning fossil fuels and using polluting energy.
To compete for Febrace, a project must follow certain criteria such as creativity and innovation and offer an original answer to the question raised in addition to a reliable method. In addition, scientific methodology, engineering methodology, research planning, project production diary, and other dissemination-related analyzes are also analyzed.
The project
First, students did extensive research on the process flow, then began writing up and validating the data collected. A prototype was then created with the aim of producing electricity using hydrogen for use in a domestic environment.
Participating in the fair is a very important experience for student Artur Gomesh. “It’s a unique feeling of learning, innovation and evolution, especially seeing that our efforts are recognised, the work done throughout the year is appreciated and encouraged. And we are already super excited to present our work at Febrace.”
João Vitor Gómez, who is also the author of the project, explains how important recognition is to encourage further studies. “Each feedback helps us to prepare our work for different issues and circumstances, in addition to the fact that the experience of me and my team has made us grow a lot as students and researchers, because we always have new challenges and opportunities. to gain knowledge in several different fields,” he says.
“It was very rewarding to participate in programs that bring growth and maturity to students, thus making them well-prepared and qualified not only for the job market, but also for any project they may participate in in their professional and personal careers,” says the professor. : Lidian Santos, project consultant.
The robotics team that Arthur and Joan are a part of is also made up of Ana Clara Oliveira; Anna Clara Gomez; Evelyn Camille de Carvalho; Kennedy Melo, Thiago Costa and Vitoria de Souza, who together have already attended other fairs and several award ceremonies.
About Febrace
The Brazilian Science and Engineering Fair (Febrace) is a national movement that encourages scientific culture, innovation and entrepreneurship in basic education (primary, secondary and technical), and its main objectives are to promote new professions in science and engineering and promote innovative pedagogy : practice in schools.
Encouraging new professions is carried out through the development of creative, innovative and significant projects for the students and society implementing them. Innovative pedagogical practice provides situations and guides them to design and develop investigative projects.
Febrace also promotes the convergence of schools and universities and the spontaneous interaction of students, teachers, professionals and scientists, creating spaces for sharing experiences, new opportunities and expanding the boundaries of knowledge. Febrace 2024 awards ceremony will take place on 3/22.