Analysis of educational action - the Grand Challenge from the teachers' point of view

This analysis involves a qualitative study in the scope of non-formal education in science museums. It sought to analyze the educational action the Grand Challenge, developed by the Exploratory Science Museum of the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), between 2007 and 2012, from the point of view of some guiding teachers. The data were collected in the years 2013 and 2014, contemplating qualitative research methods such as participant observation, semi-structured interview and documental analysis of the action. The results obtained were extracted from interviews conducted with mentor teachers of teams participating in the Grand Challenge and the treatment and discussion were based on content analysis including inference and interpretation. The educational potential of the Grand Challenge was observed as far as teachers, students and changes within the institution are concerned. Qualitative studies of educational actions, such as the Grand Challenge, allow us to understand the audience, as well as to understand the motivations and interests of the target audience, both teachers and students. Educational activities developed by museums, such as "The Grand Challenge", contribute greatly to the development of science and technology.