CATA joined science conference at Parthenon College in Peñaflor

During the activity, which lasted three days, one of the days was focused on presenting the projects carried out by the students in the field of astronomy.

In order to highlight the importance of incorporating science and technology in teaching activities, developing practical and experimental skills in students, the Science Congress Parthenon College 2024, located in Peñaflor, was held.

CATA participated in activities that were framed in the area of astronomy, which resulted in a massive interest on the part of the students of this educational precinct.

These presentations encourage collaboration and teamwork by providing learning opportunities through the investigation of different projects and topics, which inspires students to want to become future leaders and scientists. This, especially, by seeing them as one of the pillars of school science, for their contributions to experiential learning and for the formation of critical thinking.

Thus, the Associate Researcher of the Center and astronomer of the University of Chile Diego Mardones, together with Carola Agurto (postdoc researcher attached to CATA and DAS of the University of Chile) and José Utreras (in charge of Outreach Content of CATA) interacted with the students and shared with them during the various presentations they made.

He highlighted, for example, an exhibition with models of the different observatories located in our country, such as ALMA, Paranal, Tololo, Tres Cruces, etc.

“It is always important to join in these instances where we can share with students and bring them closer to astronomy. There was a very good opportunity to talk, they asked many very interesting questions and we were also able to see the work and presentations they prepared, which were of high quality. We could see that there is a real interest in learning and deepening their knowledge of these scientific topics”, commented Diego Mardones.

This activity was an effective platform to promote science, technology and innovation in the educational community, promoting the integral development of students, fostering curiosity and interest in science and technology in the student community, promoting scientific culture and its impact on society and encouraging the active participation of students, teachers and experts in the discussion of scientific and technological topics.

“We found it very interesting to show the astronomy activity that has been done in Chile, mainly because of all the characteristics that the country has in terms of research and the wide possibilities that the skies of the northern region offer. From the construction of radio telescopes to optical telescopes, and where very important people from other countries have come to develop their research. That is why we are grateful to have the CATA astronomers who helped us to motivate our students to approach scientific study”, commented Ana María Pina, professor at Parthenon College, who also coordinated this congress.

During the three days of the meeting, other topics related to science such as paleontology, technomedicine and nanomedicine were also discussed.