The Research and Study Group on Approaches and Methodologies in Science Teaching (GEPAMEC/UFVJM) is an academic group made up of researchers dedicated to improving and enriching Science teaching. Its membership is highly diverse, including undergraduate students in Biology Teacher Education, students and faculty from the Graduate Program in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education (PPGECMaT/UFVJM) with backgrounds in Natural Sciences (Rural Education), Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Pedagogy, as well as teachers working in Basic Education in the state school system of Diamantina, Minas Gerais.
Its activities focus on three main areas:

a) Design and Implementation of Teaching Methodologies, Approaches and Strategies in Basic Education: GEPAMEC/UFVJM focuses on designing and implementing teaching proposals grounded in theoretical-methodological practices and the connections between them, based on:

• Educational Practices from a content organization and planning perspective,

• Educational Practices from a critical perspective,

• Educational Practices from a curriculum renewal perspective,

• Educational Practices from a perspective of teaching through Research and Projects,

• Educational Practices from a perspective of Active Methodologies and Strategies.

b) Development of Training Programs for Science Teachers: Another area of GEPAMEC/UFVJM's work is the development of training programs for Science teachers. These programs focus on the Design and Implementation of Teaching Methodologies, Approaches and Strategies in Basic Education, aiming to prepare educators to apply innovative pedagogical principles in the classroom. This training is carried out in partnership with schools and Municipal and/or State Departments of Education, covering several municipalities in the Jequitinhonha Valley region, Minas Gerais.

c) Theoretical and Methodological Deepening of Key Educational Principles: the group has also dedicated itself to other studies, such as:

• The use of Educational Technologies (Digital and Social Teaching Technologies)

• Science Teaching Methods and Techniques

• Scientific and Technological Literacy (ACT)

• Nature of Science and Technology (NdC&T)

• Neuroeducational and metacognitive aspects of Science teaching

• Basil Bernstein's Theory applied to Science teaching

• Bruno Latour's Theory applied to Science teaching

• Argument and Argumentation in Science teaching

• History and Philosophy of Science as a Teaching Approach

• Environmental Education