Atacama Makers Program Inspires Young Innovators
Thirty students from Toconao and San Pedro de Atacama are taking part in the inaugural sessions of a special edition of the Atacama Makers program at the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) facilities. Through hands-on workshops focused on programming, electronics, and innovation, these young participants are developing technological solutions tailored to the challenges in their communities.
Program Highlights
- Date: August 26-27
- Participants: 30 students (15 from Complejo Educacional Toconao and 15 from Liceo Bicentenario Agropecuario Likan Antai)
- Conducted By: HUMM in collaboration with ALMA’s community relations team
Learning Objectives
The program emphasizes practical learning experiences. Students engage with Arduino kits to create circuits that light LEDs and control devices. One of the most impactful moments came when students successfully activated their first circuits, showcasing their understanding of programming principles.
Paulo Cisternas, director of HUMM, emphasizes that the “maker concept” focuses on executing projects from conception to completion, ultimately allowing students to develop prototype solutions to local issues.
Community-Driven Initiatives
Participants identify specific challenges in their communities, leveraging their newly acquired skills to devise innovative solutions. Projects include:
- Systems to measure solar radiation
- Mechanisms to ensure water suitability for consumption
- Solutions to protect animals from extreme heat
Nataniel Cervantes, a sophomore involved in a project on UV radiation exposure at his school, shared his insights: “I’ve learned to fall in love with the problem… that pushes us to seek deeper solutions.”
The Impact of Local Relevance
Catalina Margulis, ALMA’s Corporate Secretary for community relations, highlights the importance of addressing community-recognized issues in crafting solutions that resonate more effectively with residents.
Engaging with Science
Participants also toured ALMA, visiting antennas and gaining firsthand experience in the realm of advanced scientific research, thereby fostering a greater interest in science and technology.
Future Sessions
Atacama Makers will continue with two additional sessions in September, culminating with students presenting their projects to ALMA team members.
Additional Information
ALMA is a collaborative project involving international partners in a commitment to advancing scientific education in its surrounding communities.
