A feira de ciências como espaço multirreferencial de investigação, construção e difusão do conhecimento

Abstract

This thesis investigates the presence and implications of multireferentiality for the dissemination of scientific knowledge in science fairs, focusing on the Bahia Science, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Fair (FECIBA) and the 4th Science Fair of the Manoel Benedito Mascarenhas State Rural School (CEMBEMA). The general objective was to investigate how multireferentiality manifests itself in these events and its implications for the dissemination of scientific knowledge. The research was guided by the following question: "To what extent do FECIBA and the CEMBEMA Fair configure themselves as multireferential spaces, and how does this impact the dissemination of scientific knowledge?" The central hypothesis was that FECIBA constitutes a space with multireferential potential for the promotion of science education. The thesis, organized in a multi-article format, adopted a qualitative approach, combining document analysis, content analysis, and a case study, including participant observation. Chapter 1 established the theoretical and methodological framework for the research, drawing on authors such as Ardoino, Morin, and Burnham, and detailing the methodological choices made. Chapter 2, equivalent to Article 1, analyzed FECIBA's calls for proposals from 2015 to 2022 (5th to 10th editions), revealing a progressive expansion of thematic areas and participation modalities. Chapter 3, equivalent to Article 2, presented a case study of the 4th CEMBEMA Science Fair, demonstrating the feasibility of multireferentiality in a school fair, with the integration of different areas of knowledge and the participation of the school community. The thesis concludes that multireferentiality is essential for the consolidation of science fairs as spaces for research, construction, and dissemination of knowledge, and that FECIBA, although showing progress, still needs to develop more effective mechanisms for integration and collaboration with school fairs in order to serve as a reference model for the implementation of multireferentiality.