Scientific dissemination course in geosciences: the role of university extension from the perpective of extension agent

Abstract

Geosciences are not widely popularized in society, as their knowledge remains largely confined to the academic sphere. The lack of adequate scientific dissemination can negatively impact students' interest in Geology at the higher education level, resulting in a decreased demand for courses in the field. Consequently, university extension programs emerge as essential tools to foster interaction between the scientific community and society, aiming to promote scientific literacy and attract future geologists. Extension is one of the pillars of public higher education and has been a mandatory part of undergraduate curricula since 2014, with the purpose of disseminating the scientific knowledge produced in universities to society. Therefore, this article aims to present and discuss the data obtained from the extension project “Journey to the Center of the Earth: Unveiling Geosciences” and its impact on the scientific dissemination of geosciences from the perspective of student extensionists. Linked to the Department of Geology at the Federal University of Pernambuco, the project proposed free extension courses for the general public, involving theoretical and practical activities for teaching basic Geoscience concepts, with extension agents actively participating in the teaching process. For the students who participated in extension activities, direct interaction with the public enabled a broader understanding of social demands and contributed to the development of technical and interpersonal skills. Additionally, the experience led to greater assimilation of geological content and the didactic resources necessary for better conveying complex topics to the audience.