Imagine a teenager with long
hair
and inquisitive genius, who loves playing guitar and is amazed in rock
and
sciences. This is the main character of Rockstar
and the Origin of Metal and Rockstar
and the Mystery of Water, two short animations showing a
young rocker
interested in knowing the origin of atoms and molecules. The initiative
began with an
announcement
from the Brazilian financial agency CNPq calling for outreach projects
on the
context of the International Year of Chemistry, celebrated in 2011,
aiming to
promote among the students the interest on chemical basic concepts.
Rockstar
and
the Origin of Metal:
atoms, stars and rock'n'roll
Rockstar is
in the quest of the origin of heavy
metals, like Iron. He is surprised in knowing that chemical elements
are
produced inside of stars, and will discover the role of the stellar
evolution
on the origin of chemical species. This is an animation filled by good
vibrations (sound and vision), specially produced to be enjoyed by
young
people.
Rockstar
and
the Mystery of Water:
molecules, planet formation and
rock'n'roll
Rockstar is
puzzled by the origin of water. He will very surprised when discovers
that chemical elements
can be linked to produced molecules, and will understand how the water
born in space came to Earth.
THE AUTHORS
Jane Gregorio-Hetem
Astronomer working on Stellar Astrophysics research area, mainly young
stars and protoplanetary disks. Associate Professor at Astronomy
Department of Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências
Atmosféricas of Universidade de São Paulo (IAG/USP). Bachelor on
Physics by the Instituto de Física of Universidade de São Paulo (1982),
and Master Thesis (1986) and Ph.D (1991) at IAG/USP, studying star
forming regions and young stellar objects. Post-doc in France at Centre
d’Études de Saclay/Service d’Astrophysique (1993-1995). Head of
Astronomy Department (2008-2012), participated on the creation of the
Bachelor of Astronomy course at IAG/USP; the teaching project
Telescópios na Escola; the astronomy area of the science and outreach
museum Catavento Cultural (São Paulo). Organizer of the book “Ombros de
Gigantes: a
história da astronomia em quadrinhos”, (On the shoulders of
Giants: the history of astronomy in comics).
Researcher in Astrophysics and Computer Applications in Engineering and
professor in engineering courses for over 20 years. Holds a BA in
Physics from the University of São Paulo (1982), Masters in Astronomy
from the University of São Paulo (1992) and PhD in astronomy from the
University of São Paulo (1996), and held internships at
CEA-Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique in Saclay (France). His current
research is in space propulsion and modeling of planets and stars
formation.
His scientific production is based on artificial intelligence
application to theoretical models of physical processes and technology.
Author of several books and textbooks. Has long experience in the
implementation and coordination of undergraduate courses. He is
currently professor at the Universidade Federal do ABC, in the
Aerospace Engineering graduate undergraduate course and also in Master
in Mechanical Engineering course, acting as deputy coordinator. Creator
of the "Liquid Propellant Rocket Motors Group" at CNPq.
Graphic designer graduated from the University of Bahia in 2005. In
animation, he served as production designer on the sets of cartoon
series My Big Big Friend and as a concept designer on the animated
series of the Yellow Woodpecker Ranch. In 2011, he had his _rst short
_lm animation, Helping our world in 60 seconds, winning in the category
of webcel AnimaMundi. Currently he is working on the production of
short _lm animation Dalivincasso, funded by Petrobras, and he is
directing two episodes of animation: Rockstar and the origin of the
metal and Rockstar and the mystery of water, sponsored by CNPq.
