SCIENTIFIC OLYMPIADS AS A PEDAGOGICAL STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPING BIOLOGY COMPETENCIES: AN EXPERIENCE AT THE FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF ALAGOAS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev8n3-113Keywords:
Scientific Olympiads, Scientific Skills, Biology Teaching, Active Methodologies, STEM Education, Technical High SchoolAbstract
Science Olympiads are pedagogical tools with recognized potential for developing scientific skills in basic education students. In the Brazilian context, however, the participation of public schools located in regions with greater socio-educational vulnerability is still historically limited, which reinforces inequalities in access to excellent scientific training. This study reports and analyzes the implementation of an Olympic study group at the Federal Institute of Alagoas (IFAL), Murici Campus, aimed at preparing high school students for the Brazilian Biology Olympiad (OBB) and related scientific competitions, investigating its effects on the development of scientific skills and student engagement with science. This is a qualitative pedagogical experience report, with descriptive-analytical elements, developed between 2023 and 2024. The pedagogical strategies adopted included: cataloging and digitizing previous OBB exams (2019–2024) on an interactive platform (Google Forms); Collaborative development of mind and concept maps; theoretical and practical laboratory classes outside of regular class hours; synchronous online sessions via Google Meet; technical visits to the Science Center and field classes in the reef ecosystem of Ponta Verde (Maceió/AL); participation in institutional scientific events; and production of scientific communication materials in different languages, including cordel literature. The study group enabled the participation of 98 students in five different scientific olympiads (OBB, OBBS, ONC, OBBiotec, and OBSMA), obtaining nine medals and honorable mentions, including three gold medals in the institutional debut at the Brazilian Synthetic Biology Olympiad (OBBS). The students also obtained third place in the Innovative Ideas Competition (SINPETE 2023) and presented oral scientific papers at institutional events. The results show that Olympic study groups structured with a multimodal and investigative approach simultaneously promote disciplinary deepening in biology, the development of transversal skills, and the construction of students' scientific identity. The experience of IFAL/Campus Murici demonstrates the potential of scientific olympiads as instruments of educational equity and democratization of scientific culture in public technical school contexts.
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