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P.R. Vector Control Unit, CienciaPR partner to empower through science education

Ciencia Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit (PRVCU) have teamed up to train scientists and teachers in the design of project-based learning lessons, the nonprofits announced.

The collaboration is part of the second year of the “Ciencia al Servicio” program, CienciaPR’s flagship education project. “Ciencia al Servicio” brings together teachers and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals to co-create lessons that empower students to use scientific inquiry, design and discovery to solve locally relevant problems.

“This collaboration with CienciaPR will help us train teachers and integrate education strategies in schools and communities, promoting the development of research and alternatives for mosquito control,” said Natasha De León, Supervisor of the Educational Program of the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit.

Twenty-six educators from more than 20 schools in the southern region of Puerto Rico and 16 STEM professionals — five from PRVCU — participated in the workshop. The training was held June 10- 12 at Ponce Health Sciences University and Ponce Center for the Development of Research in Science and Technology.

“For the second year in a row, ‘Ciencia al Servicio’ is empowering teachers, students, scientists and their communities,” said Greetchen Díaz-Muñoz, director of science education programs and community partnerships for CienciaPR.

“By bringing them together in a journey of common learning, ‘Ciencia al Servicio’ will promote critical thinking and the design of solutions for some of Puerto Rico’s priorities, like the control of mosquito vectors,” she said.

Participants co-created hands-on lessons about controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito — which transmits dengue, chikungunya and Zika — and renewable and alternative energy. They also learned about PBL, and strategies to make science relevant to the culture and context of Puerto Rico, and to communicate science more effectively.

PBL is a learning strategy implemented by the Puerto Rico Department of Education and is mandatory in all public schools across the island. As part of the program students develop projects aimed at integrating scientific thinking skills with the subjects they learn in school.

The PBL lessons co-created during the workshop will be implemented by teachers during the 2019-2020 academic year. CienciaPR estimates that during this second year of the project, “Ciencia al Servicio” will impact over 1,000 students from 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 10th grade in Puerto Rico.

As part of the implementation of science lessons, each participating school will receive a visit from a STEM professional, who will give a talk and serve as role models students can emulate. At the same time, STEM professionals will get the opportunity to enhance their career development by practicing science communication skills and engaging with local communities.

Professionals from PRVCU will provide educational resources and offer talks about the biology Aedes aegypti mosquito and strategies to eliminate the insect from their homes, schools and surrounding communities.

“We cannot let our guard down with vectors and the diseases they spread. This collaborative effort strengthens the various initiatives we carry out to educate all populations, especially young people, on the importance of vector control and how to incorporate prevention best practices in their daily lives,” said Marianyoly Ortiz, associate director of the PRVCU.

The collaboration trains scientists and teachers to foster in students the use of scientific inquiry, design and discovery to solve locally relevant problems.

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This story was written by our staff based on a press release.
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