The US National Science Foundation (NSF) announced on Wednesday the start of the pilot phase for the summer of the new Arecibo Center for Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Science Education, Computational Skills and Community Engagement (NSF Arecibo C3).
The inauguration of this phase, which will involve small groups of students and educators who will serve as evaluators of the center's offering of activities and exhibitions, will be the preamble to the official inauguration of the NSF Arecibo C3, next November.
“We are delighted to announce the pilot phase of NSF Arecibo C3, which marks a significant step toward realizing NSF's vision of a dynamic science center open to all, fostering curiosity, innovation and exploration”NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said in a press release.
“As we prepare for the grand opening later this year, we look forward to welcoming communities across Puerto Rico to a center that will spark a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and inspire future generations. of scientists and researchers“added the academic administrator.
During this pilot phase, NSF Arecibo C3 will work with students and educators to test programming that will connect to a broad set of science, technology, engineering and mathematics topics. These include interactive molecular biology and genomics workshops, pedagogical modules in astronomycommunity-centered computing, and convergent research and teaching on climate change and biodiversity.
The plans also include the remodeling exhibition spaces to celebrate the site's history and reflect the diversity of STEM opportunities that will be developed in the future.
Panchanathan explained that the NSF Arecibo C3 will have a research laboratory and an interactive scientific center which will focus on scientific topics, research and innovations. This will be presented through exhibitions, educational programming, scientific talks, films and enrichment activities for children, families, educators and the general public.
The academic administrator also pointed out that one of the outstanding characteristics of the scientific center will be the “Exhibition of the Legacy of Arecibo Observatory”, which will celebrate the observatory's contributions to astronomy and scientific discoveries.
The center, he said, aims to preserve and expand the legacy of the Arecibo Observatory within Puerto Rico and the community. STEM. It also aims to expand student research and workforce development opportunities, foster professional development, and support collaborative research among professors, preschool through 12th grade teachers, and students in Puerto Rico and the United States.
Over the next few months, NSF will highlight on social media the various programs and activities that will be carried out during this pilot phasefeaturing previews of the center, preparations, and testimonials from participants, all aimed at generating excitement ahead of the November opening.
However, it was indicated that This phase will be available by invitation only through upcoming focus group activities.. During this period the center will remain closed to the public, but the knowledge gathered in this pilot phase, he explained, will help improve the center's organization and offering.
For more details, you can follow NSF on social media to stay updated on the latest news and announcements. You can also visit www.areciboc3.org for opportunities to get involved and be part of this initiative.