Explora Congress on Research and Innovation in Schools: A Macrozone Meeting

On August 29 and 30, the Explora Regional Link Programs (PAR) from the regions of O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, and Biobío gathered in Talca for the “Explora Congress on Research and Innovation in Schools: South Central Macrozone Meeting”.

The event, hosted by Talca University, brought together twelve teams from each PAR Explora, with over 90 students and almost 50 teachers in attendance. The O’Higgins region was represented by 12 academies, with 24 students and 12 teachers participating.

Creating Spaces for Interdisciplinary Convergence

César Retamal, director of PAR Explora Maule and host of the meeting, emphasized the importance of creating spaces for inter- and trans-disciplinary convergence. “The meeting is an excellent experience, and I think we should continue to work together as a macrozone,” he said.

A Positive Experience for Students and Teachers

Emilio Vilches, director of PAR Explora O’Higgins, praised the event, saying, “A beautiful activity ended that enabled our representative academies to socialize their work done during the year, whether in the field of research or innovation. At the same time, they were able to learn about the projects of their colleagues from other regions.”

Student Projects and Presentations

During the congress, students enjoyed games that challenged their creativity and curiosity, and invited them to generate hypotheses and work in teams. They also had the opportunity to present their research and innovation projects to a committee of scientists, who provided feedback and guidance.

Luan Serna, a student from San Alberto de Machalí School, presented his research on developing a low-cost water purification filter to make safe water more accessible to rural communities. “Our goal is to convert water from natural water sources, such as rivers and canals, and carry out a physical process to remove waste,” he explained.

A National Program for Research and Innovation

The Explora Congress is part of the National Congress for Research and Innovation in Schools, a program of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Information, and Innovation. The program aims to promote scientific skills among students through research or innovation proposals.

A Space for Ideas and Innovation

Gustavo Núñez, from Ceremi Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted the importance of the congress as a space for ideas and innovation. “The students offer ideas that are really relevant to the development of the country. Here we not only discuss learning, but we also discuss problems that are closely related to the communities,” he said.

A Worthwhile Experience for Teachers and Students

Carol Gutiérrez, a teacher from Santa Teresita School in Coelemu, Ñuble, praised the meeting and the socialization of student progress. “We have great human capital in the form of the students,” she said.

Ana San Martín, scientific adviser at O’Higgins University, noted that participating in the Explora Congress was a worthwhile experience. “Sharing with these extremely enthusiastic students was very motivating for me,” she said.