Archive for month: December, 2016

From February to October of this year, the International Paper Institute Formare School Project held multidisciplinary activities led by volunteer educator Joselir Cassuti that consisted of assembling a rocket using PET bottles.

The initiative presented by the educator, who has worked at International Paper for 22 years, involved every subject. Yet it was in his Chemistry classes that Joselir spoke about the project with students, splitting them into groups of four or five to make the rocket.

The teacher posed a challenge when he handed out the PET bottles to students. “They were confused when they received the material. But when we started to cut the bottles and the pieces appeared, they were impressed and excited about the idea,” says the educator.

The students designed the pieces individually and later learned more about the base of the rocket and its functions, taking into account that it could not be too heavy in order to fly. “Learning about the entire process was fundamental to the stability of the object,” explains their teacher.

After they finished the project, the students had a presentation week. A stand was set up in front of the exit to the IP Luiz Antônio restaurant, which is where they took questions from factory workers. “The students were asked about topics involving Chemistry, safety and the rocket creation process,” says Joselir.

Rocket Launch – On November 18, the students took part in a competition on the factory lawn and were very impressed by the structure assembled to hold the activity.

Small flags on the ground marked the distance of ten meters to indicate the ground that the rockets covered, with the rocket that travelled the furthest receiving the highest marks. There was tie for first place between the PETChemist Turbo F6 and the Newton in the Stars rockets.

In addition to the rocket launch, the competition also included the most creative name category. Four rockets competed: Blue Bird, Ácmon, PETChemist Turbo F6 and Newton in the Stars, which received the most votes from factory workers.

“This entire project was a challenge for the students. They didn’t just produce the rocket, but also the presentations and evaluations. I was impressed with their performance during the course. It’s amazing that when they come here, they are dim little stars and in the end they all leave shining bright,” says Joselir.

According to the teacher, students were graded on their performance and dedication shown at from start to end of the project. They were also surprised and happy with the project and all of the activities they took part in. The graduation ceremony and commemoration for the Formare students will be held on December 16, at International Paper’s Luiz Antônio unit.