Science for
everyone in the
Potiguar semi-arid

The Science for Everyone in the Potiguar Semi-arid Region program is an initiative developed in partnership between the Federal Rural University of the Semi-arid Region (UFERSA), the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN) and the State Secretariat of Education, Culture, Sports and Leisure of Rio Grande do Norte. Since 2010 it has been promoting science education in public schools across Rio Grande do Norte.

The program's main strategy is the continuing education of teachers, equipping educators to develop investigative practices in the classroom through the Scientific Methodology Within Everyone's Reach (MCAT). This approach turns the school into a space for inquiry, creativity and knowledge building, bringing science closer to students' reality.

Building on teacher training, MCAT is implemented in schools, encouraging students and teachers to identify everyday problems, design research and develop solutions grounded in the scientific method. This process strengthens student leadership, critical thinking and scientific culture in the school environment.

The research produced culminates in a broad Science Fair process, organized in stages: school fairs, regional fairs, the Potiguar Semi-arid Region Science Fair (FCSP) and participation in national and international scientific events. In this way, the program creates opportunities for students to share their projects, broaden their horizons and recognize themselves as producers of knowledge.

More than encouraging research, Science for Everyone fosters teacher training, strengthens public schools and contributes to democratizing access to science throughout the Potiguar semi-arid region.