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In 2012 Anglo American, the University of Antofagasta and the City Council of Sierra Gorda signed an agreement
to carry out educational astronomical activities in the G-130 School at Baquedano.
Every year many activities take place in this school. One of the most important is the Astronomy Camp,
which in 2013 attracted over 120 participants from 18 schools in the Antofagasta Region.
We are visiting Baquedano
to presence first hand what was the Third Regional Astronomy Camp.
This is the third consecutive time this camp is organized
thanks to the joint work of the G-130 School, Anglo American
and the Unidad de Astronomía at the University of Antofagasta.
We are very happy to participate for the third consecutive time in this activity
and we hope that many of this children will become fascinated by astronomy
and perhaps we may discover an astronomer amongst them.
The call attracted more than 100 people, combining teachers and students
from the Second Region of the country.
Specially the students had access to unforgettable experiences
and learn about astronomy.
Without doubt this was a great opportunity to nurture the students' interest
in the world of science.
Why is it important to organize activities such as the Regional Astronomy Camp?
To increase our culture and know about our surroundings,
in our galaxy and in the skies.
Because this may become our future
so when we grow up we may study astronomy,
and make a contribution to science.
The ALMA project makes this region even more important,
so this avoids that we stay ignorant, allowing us to know about these topics.
We are the children that will make up the future
and we'll introduce ourselves in astronomy.
It's a very fun topic and hopefully these activities will take place more often.
During the camp, students of 9 to 12 years from different schools
were able to solve their doubts aided by experts from different fields of science.
Using hands-on work, talks and games they were able to share their knowledge.
All of this was done in a didactic and fun way.
I think this is great. The program of activities has been followed exactly
and based on the comments I've heard from colleagues and students
I think we are moving in the right direction.
They are excited! You can see very enthusiastic kids
attending to all the activities, with no need to push them at all.
On the contrary, these kids want to learn,
and we certainly need this!
During the day the students were able to learn about the important role of astronomy
and of applying critical thinking, which must be taught starting at an early age.
What's your opinion of the camp?
Good.
Fun.
Entertaining.
Good, interesting and we learn many things.
It's a beautiful experience in the sense of forging new friendships
They are capable of exchanging ideas and feelings
and they also tell their experience at their schools.
Also the teachers were considered in the program of activities.
They received training to introduce their students in astronomy
and abandoning pseudosciences in their method of teaching.
We tend to cultivate a thought based on pseudosciences.
and we have to switch to a more critical thinking to teach our students
to become critical and not plainly believe in the ideas spread on TV, radio,
and all the media.
There was also space for discussion during the camp.
An example of this was the Astronomical Chocolate,
adaptation of the concept of Astronomical Cafe
which is starting to take off in the North of the country.
We introduced ideas that for many were revolutionary
and I think that it was a revelation for everybody that this could be even more fun
than what they watch in the mass media.
As somebody said in a documentary, Science has the attractive
of not only being fun but true.
With the arrival of the night the enthusiasm of the students increased
because they would be able to work with professional equipment
to learn how to watch the nocturnal skies.
We did naked-eye observing and also guided observation with instruments.
visiting different objects in the sky, each one of peculiar interest.
The teachers and experts gave orientation about how to get started in astronomy.
They explained that it is not necessary to have the best equipments to learn about the cosmos.
With interest and discipline great results can be achieved.
Start with this.
With a pair of binoculars you'll be able to observe the Pleiads, Hyads, open and globular clusters...
It's a unique opportunity because in the city it's as if you cannot see a thing.
Astronomy, for me, more than a science it's a form of art
because the stars are so beautiful.
Now we see how the event ended with a beautiful and inspirational theater show
that impressed all the attendants.
In this way ended the Third Regional Astronomy Camp.
We feel really satisfied by the result
and hope that this kind of activity will keep happening in this region
teaching to those who are the future of our country.