Continuation of the project “Popularization of science with an inclusive approach” in which we generated written material in 3 Mayan languages (Q’eqchi, K’iche’ and Poqomchi), Spanish, braille, sign language and 3D astronomical models that will be used for outreach activities for the general public including some exclusive for girls and others for persons with visual and hearing disabilities mainly in remote areas of the country where traditionally there is little access to science activities. For example a book in q’eqchi was generated in this stage, this can be viewed at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W-7i_fyrf8A3rUUoRgeZG6kKtuLYIsqa/view .
We will generate materials in other Mayan languages (Kaqchikel and Mam), Spanish, braille, sign languages. The topics to include will be galaxies, black holes, space rockets and Mars.
A board game for kids using astronomical pictures in collaboration with the National Science Secretariat of Guatemala will be created in different languages, including the works registered in their annual contest of photography FOTOCyT. We will have outreach activities in remote areas in collaboration with professors and students, astronomical clubs, Alpha-Cen and local leaders from different communities.
The activities planned includes:
• Workshops of astronomy using touch using 3D models and braille texts. Persons with no visual problems will have their eyes covered. The material will be given to the persons attending the activity.
• Talks of astronomy to the general public given by experts with translation to the local and sign language.
• Workshop for kids, separated into different groups depending on their ages. They will play a board game and will draw and color astronomical images. At the end they will keep the material.
• Workshops for young girls including activities around women in astronomy, highlighting the achievements made by them.
Activities
Workshops
1. Lanquin, Alta Verapaz. School “Profesor Pedro Col”. March 10th, 2023. 4 hours activity. Attended ~100 students + 10 teachers.
2. Lemoa, Quiché. Public School. July 16, 2023. 4 hours activity. Attended ~50 students + 10 teachers.
3. Totonicapán. Public institute “Instituto básico por cooperativa Chipachec”. March 24, 2024.
4. hours of activity. Attended ~50 students + 5 teachers. 4. Quetzaltenango. Public institutes “Institutos de Educación Diversificada, INED, La Esperanza y San Mateo”, February 28, 2024. 4 hours of activity each. Attended ~100 students + 20 teachers.
5. Sololá. Public school “Tzalá”. April 24, 2024. 4 hours of activity. Attended ~100 students + 10 teachers.
6. Guatemala City. Public school “Escuela Fé y Alegría No. 9”. 4hours of activity. Attended ~100 estudents + 10 teachers 7. El Estor, Izabal. Public schools of El Estor. 4 hours of activity. Attended ~ 100 students + 10 teachers.
Board games
1. Travel to the center of galaxies. Children 8+ years. 50 games printed.
2. Astronomical Memory. Children 9+ years. January 2024. 50 games printed
3. Cosmic checkers. Children 10+ years
4. Cosmoquiz. Children 12+years.
Book:
Short tale for kids “La increíble historia de una niña, un murciélago, un pangolín y el virus que cambió el mundo en tres meses” (The incredible history of a girl, a bat, a pangolin and the virus that changed the world in 3 months), 100 printed
Outcomes
1. Interest in science education: Follow up activities were requested by teachers in schools
2. Interest in science among children: Children were made aware of the existence of scientific careers.
3. Relevance of first nation persons in science: Participation of first nation persons in workshops and the collaboration for creating the video in their language.
4. Visibility of participation of women in science: Girls could interact with women dedicated to science. This is of particular relevance in rural areas of the country.
