SCIENCE FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE FUTURE:

TOWARDS A NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT WHIT NATURE

Abstract

This article presents the actions developed in a project that explores the use of industrial waste in the creation of construction materials, carried out in the city of Parelhas, located in the Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The project focused on promoting environmental awareness, technological innovation, and social inclusion by engaging students from Escola Municipal Arnaldo Bezerra, participants of the "Avexadas para Aprender" program, in theoretical and practical activities related to waste reuse. The project culminated during the National Science and Technology Week, where students took part in interactive and educational exhibitions, featuring the character Dona Benta Sustenta, who discussed topics such as urban solid waste, recycling, environmental impacts, and circular economy. Additionally, the project emphasized the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure safety during practical activities and highlighted the importance of integrating science, sustainability, and education to stimulate socio-environmental responsibility and entrepreneurship as tools to transform waste into opportunities, preparing students to tackle local and global challenges.