Divulga Civil UFMS: O Instagram como estratégia de divulgação científica na Engenharia Civil

Abstract

This article describes the use of Instagram as a tool for scientific dissemination in the Civil Engineering program at UFMS, through the extension project “Divulga Civil”. The initiative aimed to explore the potential of social media in making academic knowledge more accessible to the general public. The methodology was divided into two academic semesters, each with different team structures, using tools such as Canva for content creation and Trello for activity management. The posts addressed technical topics in civil engineering using simplified language to engage students, faculty, and the broader community. Data analysis revealed higher engagement with video content, particularly reels, which stood out among the formats used. Results showed that practical content, curiosities, and interviews generated the most interaction. Despite challenges such as inconsistent metric tracking and the influence of the academic calendar on posting frequency, the project proved to be an effective strategy for science communication. Moreover, the experience contributed to the development of technical, communicative, and organizational skills among the participating students. It is concluded that the strategic use of Instagram can broaden the reach of scientific dissemination and enhance academic training in a multidisciplinary and digitally connected context.