With the highest score nationwide, the Center for advanced chronic diseases (ACCDIS), sponsored by the University of Chile and the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, the Regional Associative Project is awarded for the third consecutive time (PAIR) Explore North Metropolitan Region, for the period 2025-2026, to continue promoting school scientific culture and the generation of learning spaces in the community.

The project funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and innovation, will be led by ACCDiS, through the Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Chile.

Through inclusive and collaborative initiatives, The project seeks to connect scientific work with local realities, generating a positive impact on educational and social communities. “This project represents a unique opportunity to bring scientific knowledge closer to people, especially children and young people, and to encourage critical thinking and curiosity to discover the world around them,” dr.. Mario Chiong, director of the PAR Explora RM and researcher at ACCDiS.

Who also reported, that during this period they will work with 22 communes of the Metropolitan Region, distributed in 3 Provincial Departments of Education. Santiago Norte: Independencia, Recoleta, Quilicura, Huechuraba, Conchalí, Hill, Lampa, and Tiltil, Santiago Centro: Santiago, Pedro Aguirre Cerda, San Miguel, and San Joaquín, and Talagante: Talagante, Peñaflor, The Mount, Maipo Island, Melipilla, Curacaví, María Pinto, San Pedro, Alhué, and Padre Hurtado.

Three initiatives and two regional activities will be developed over two years, which will work on various areas of knowledge, integrating interdisciplinary approaches and with special attention to local problems, such as chronic diseases. Among the initiatives that are being developed are: 

1. Early Childhood Inquiry Program (PIPE):

Called for preschool education pedagogical teams, This program seeks to strengthen the teaching and learning processes through:

• The Science Competency Model, Technology, Knowledge and innovation (CTCI) of the Explora Program.
• The PIPE research methodology and the pertinent pedagogical foundations.
• Co-design strategies for implementing PIPE in educational communities, promoting a comprehensive approach adapted to each educational institution.

Learn about the PIPE projects that were worked on during this year 2023. See here 

2. School Research and Innovation (Iie):

This initiative is aimed at teachers and students from 1st grade to fourth grade and aims to develop competencies in research and innovation within the educational community. Through the creation of School Science Clubs, participants from 5th to IV Middle School They will be able to carry out research projects in areas such as natural sciences, social sciences, innovation, arts and humanities, strengthening their curiosity and scientific skills.

On the other hand, Students of 1st to 4th grade, may be part of the Mini School Clubs, where they will be able to explore scientific experiences based on the inquiry methodology. These clubs are intended to guide children in formulating research questions and possible hypotheses around a specific topic, encouraging their critical thinking and creativity from an early age.

At the end of the initiative, a socialization meeting is held to publicize all the projects. See here Meeting 2023.

3. Camp Explora Va!:

It is a training instance designed for early childhood educators, Differential educators, teachers of any level and discipline, technicians and other education professionals who work in educational centers in the aforementioned communes. This initiative aims to promote the appropriation of pedagogical tools based on the competency model of the Explora Program, strengthening educational practices and fostering the creation of learning communities and collaborative networks among education professionals, encouraging the exchange of experiences and good practices.

View Camp Explora VA Experience! 2023 here.

4. Regional Activities:

1st year of execution: Pedagogical album PichinCO in search of water, in which education professionals who work with students in 1st and 2nd grade may apply.

2nd year of execution: album PichinCO: A journey to healthy living, Designed for children from 1st to 4th grade.

If you belong to a kindergarten or educational establishment in one of the 22 communes, with which the Project will work, Register at the following link and participate in its calls and activities. Register here