Project that sent Bahian cotton into space wins award

The celebration was great among students Alyne, Isadora, Luiz Carlos and Wendell, from Escola Maria Edith Rodhen, in Roda Velha, municipality of São Desidério in Western Bahia, upon receiving confirmation that they were the big winners of the Garatéa Project, managed by institutions such as the University of São Paulo (USP), Ministry of Science and Technology and which has NASA representatives as advisors. After seven months of much study and under the tireless guidance of Professor Daysa de Azevedo, the research project 'Feasibility of cotton fiber resistance in high levels of solar radiation when subjected to a stratospheric environment', confirmed first place in the national competition.

With the support of the Bahian Association of Cotton Producers (Abapa), the students carried out all the necessary research and the trip to the city of São Carlos (SP), last August, when they presented the proposal to a panel made up of 38 teachers from the USP and the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCAR). The most anticipated part was the launch, on a space probe, of cotton harvested on Bahian land, into space. The objective was to compare how the fiber behaves when exposed to extreme conditions. Two other samples were subjected to different situations. One was kept in the laboratory, in a stable environment, and the other was kept at the school and exposed to the sun for 15 minutes for 30 days. The results surprised the team and the teachers on the committee.

“The probe remained in a stratospheric environment for around 38 minutes, fell, was rescued and the experiment was sent to the Abapa Fiber Analysis Center, the largest in Latin America, where it underwent detailed analysis. The result was a thickening of the fiber and an increase in genetic viability, however, it lost its shine and color. The final report was sent to USP for the final evaluation”, explains Professor Daysa.

The team representing Western Bahia won 1st place nationally with the best technical experiment, best social engagement and best scientific methodology, in addition to the special award for best team and individual presentation of the project. A much celebrated victory. “Winning first place, in an Olympics that had projects from different regions competing, is very important for us. I believe that this new experience, which has provided great growth for the participants, will open new horizons and encourage us to develop even greater things in the future", highlights student Aline Lima.

The delivery of the competition certificates brought family and friends of the students to the school on Thursday (28). The president of Abapa Júlio Cézar Busato participated in the moment. “It is initiatives like this that give us certainty that education is the way for changes to occur. These young people are examples for other students that with determination and study you can go far. For Abapa it is a pleasure to be part of this success story, we will continue to support ideas and projects in these formats. Congratulations to the team, a very strong team”, said the president.

Medalists and access to universities

The participation of high school students in national competitions can guarantee medal collectors access, without entrance exams or Enem, to the banks of some of the main universities in Brazil. The pioneering idea comes from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), which already reserves places for successful medalists. The State Paulista (Unesp) and USP are also in the process of joining. An additional incentive for students to engage in research projects that guarantee access to higher education.