Cardano for STEM Brazilian students

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Gilvania Vilela

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

3

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We’ll offer live and recorded free classes and tutorials on Blockchain, Cardano, and Catalyst in Portuguese for STEM Brazilian students, taught by experienced college professors and assistants.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Learning blockchain technology is essential for the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students, as it has applications across various fields, including cryptocurrency, supply chain, data management, healthcare, and governance. However, Brazilian institutions lack adequate courses and content on this critical topic. As a result, most students interested in blockchain must be proficient in English and rely on international online classes to access relevant information.

This proposal aims to bridge that gap by offering free, Portuguese-language lectures on Blockchain and Cardano, tailored specifically for Engineering and Natural Science students from a scientific perspective.

Our program features an introductory course on Blockchain and Cardano at a Brazilian university, with live and recorded classes via Zoom taught by experienced college professors and assistants.. Additionally, we’ll offer practical tutorials on submitting Catalyst funding proposals and launching startups using Blockchain and Cardano technologies. The course, including the tutorial, will total 10 hours.

Audience: Brazilian STEM undergraduate and graduate students.

Lecturers: College Physics professors and assistants.

Course: Introduction to Blockchain Technology and Cardano

Syllabus:

1. Introduction to blockchain technology

2. Security concepts in blockchain

3. Cryptography in blockchain

4. Differences between crypto networks

5. Consensus mechanisms in blockchain

6. Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and Ethereum

7. Third-generation blockchain

8. Blockchain for business improvements

9. Proof-of-work versus proof-of-stake

10. Introduction to Cardano

11. Decentralized applications and smart contracts

12. Staking and rewards

Tutorial:

1. Introduction to the Catalyst ecosystem

2. Startups on Blockchain and Cardano

3. Step-by-step guide to submitting a Catalyst proposal

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Introducing blockchain and Cardano technologies to STEM students will ignite interest in this field within our academic institutions, companies, startups, and communities. We believe academia plays a crucial role in attracting highly qualified new members to the Cardano ecosystem. By empowering these students, they can become advocates and multipliers of this knowledge within their communities. Gaining skills in Blockchain and the Cardano protocol will transform how STEM students tackle complex problems, helping to spread the influence of Cardano throughout Latin America.

Additionally, we will teach students how to submit proposals to Catalyst and create startups supported by Cardano, thereby integrating new Brazilian STEM undergraduate and graduate students into the Catalyst ecosystem.

This project builds on previously funded initiatives from Fund7 (https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/381790), Fund9 (https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/64463) and Fund10 (https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/10/f10-startups-and-onboarding-for-students/cardano-for-stem-brazilian-students-7e1ae). As we expand, our goal is to establish a dedicated hub for blockchain and Cardano technology at a Brazilian university.

In this round, we will concentrate on engaging students in creating proposals supported by Catalyst. To facilitate this, we’ll provide a tutorial on how Catalyst functions and guide students through the process of submitting proposals.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has a strong capability to deliver on this proposal. It consists of three physicists, two graduate students and an Associate Physics Professor. All experienced in teaching and presenting at major international scientific meetings and conferences. The course and tutorial content will be made available online with free access. This free course and Catalyst tutorial will be offered to Brazilian STEM students in their native Portuguese.

The success of the project will be measured by the following metrics:

• Number of registered students;

• Number of student registrations in the Catalyst ecosystem;

• Number of new proposals submitted by our students in Catalyst Challenges;

• Number of accesses and views on the online class platform;

• Student feedback.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

1. Prepare, refine, and update class notes and presentation materials on Blockchain, Cardano, and Catalyst.
2. Promote the free course to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students at our local university and neighboring institutions in Brazil.
3. Update the website, blockstem.io, with information about the new course.
4. Engage with the community by sharing posts on Instagram and Slack to reach students, professionals, and enthusiasts, encouraging them to register for the course.
5. Select STEM undergraduate and graduate students for enrollment.
6. Register the selected students on our online education platform based on Moodle.

Weekly Schedule and Content:

Week 1 - Class 1 (1.5 hours): Opening session covering an introduction to blockchain technology, security concepts in blockchain, and blockchain cryptology.

• Note 1: Before Class 1, we will hold a Welcome Session with an opening in-person class and a coffee break.

• Note 2: The course will consist of one 1.5-hour session per week, delivered live and recorded for those unable to attend the live-streamed classes.

Week 2 - Class 2 (1.5 hours): Differences between crypto networks, blockchain consensus mechanisms, and an overview of Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Week 3 - Class 3 (1.5 hours): Introduction to third-generation blockchains, the role of blockchain in business improvements, and comparison of proof-of-work vs. proof-of-stake mechanisms.

Week 4 - Class 4 (1.5 hours): Introduction to Cardano, decentralized applications and smart contracts, staking, and rewards.

• Note 3: Class #5 will be covered in Milestone 3.

• Note 4: While the syllabus lists 12 topics, this does not indicate 12 separate classes. The course is designed to last 7.5 hours, delivered over 5 weeks with 1.5-hour sessions each week.

Course Documentation and Engagement:

1. We will compile statistics and maintain records for each class session.
2. Documentation will include detailed presentation slides for each class.
3. We will actively encourage students to participate in the Catalyst community.
4. We will facilitate and monitor online discussion groups to engage students on course topics.

Week 5 - Class 5 Content (1.5 hours):

Topics: Overview of the Catalyst ecosystem, securing funds for Blockchain and Cardano startups, and an introduction to submitting proposals to Catalyst.

Weeks 6 and 7 - Post-Class Tutorial Support (Total 2.5 hours): 

We will provide two additional support sessions for students within two weeks following the last class totaling 2.5 hours. These sessions will offer guidance and assistance with Catalyst project submissions.

Discussion Group Monitoring: We will continue to facilitate and monitor discussion groups related to course topics, encouraging ongoing engagement and participation.

Project Support and Guidance: Students interested in submitting projects to Catalyst will receive continuous support throughout the course. This includes dedicated advising for individual students or groups submitting proposals. Our communication channels (email, discussion groups, and support meetings) will remain open for ongoing assistance.

Resource Guidance for Catalyst Funds: We will ensure students know how to access information on upcoming Catalyst funds. Communication channels, including email and Slack, will be available to assist with this.

Comprehensive Report: A comprehensive report will be prepared on the project, detailing analysis and outlining future perspectives.

Close-out Report and Video for IOG: We will prepare a final report and video summarizing project outcomes to share with the IOG team.

Certificate Distribution:

Course completion certificates will be awarded to students who successfully complete the course.

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[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Mateus Granha mgranha (Graduate Student). Role: Assistant lecturer.

Institution: Polytechnic School of the University of Pernambuco, Email: coordgraduacao@poli.br He has experience in programming languages and statistical and Computational Physics, focused on Complex Network and Econophysics.

Igor Gibernoot gibernoot (Graduate Student). Role: Assistant lecturer.

Institution: Polytechnic School of the University of Pernambuco, Email: coordgraduacao@poli.br He has experience in programming languages and statistical and Computational Physics, focused on Complex Network and Sociophysics.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The funds will be allocated over three months as follows:

• Project Management: ADA 12,350

• Lecturer Compensation: ADA 17,430

• Books and Materials Preparation: ADA 4,500

• Marketing and Website Maintenance: ADA 3,700

• Coffee break: ADA 1,500

All classes will be offered to students free of charge.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The project represents strong value for the Cardano ecosystem by strategically investing in essential resources to deliver high-quality blockchain education. The main expense is lecturer compensation, aligning with local wage standards in Brazil for graduates and college professors. Additionally, about 20% of the budget is allocated to marketing, website maintenance, and materials preparation, vital for reaching students effectively and providing rich educational resources. This funding structure supports free access to the course, making it accessible to Brazilian STEM students who might otherwise lack exposure to blockchain and Cardano. By building local expertise and encouraging Catalyst participation, this project fosters long-term community growth, offering sustainable value to the Cardano ecosystem.