Scientific Culture Department Uruguay ACTION PLAN 2011 - 2014

Educational Environment: National Administration of Public Education

Educational Environment National Administration of Public Education Educational Level Number of Institutions % Institutions with Science Club Number of Students Students participating in a Science Club (%) Kindergarten and Elementary 3000 4 468.000 0,005 High School 540 20 390.000 0,013

Science Fairs: Tool of non-formal education and inclusion In our contry: First Science Fair in 1986 19 annual Science Fairs (one per Department) 1 annual National Science Fair (25 editions until 2011) Science Fairs are part of the National Strategic Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation 36000 people participated in the Fairs in 2010 102 cities participated in the activities

URUGUAY at Intel ISEF First participation in1998 3 Science Clubs approximately participate each year. Involves 16 to 19 people in each delegation. Significant impact that generate an increase in the youth participation at Intel ISEF. Increase in the number of members of the oficial delegation every year. Mentoring support for the participating Science Clubs. In 2007 we won the 4th prize and in 2010 the 3rd prize.

Science Fairs, mathematics and science curriculum The biggest obstacles Science Club Counselors (Guiding, tutors) are not trained in research The quality of the projects Low funding. Inadequate comunication of activities and the youth achievements

Long Term High Level Goals (3 - 5 years) Increase number of students and teachers in Science Fairs Promote Science Club activities as a pedagogical strategy for teachers Increase the participation of new Science Clubs, outside school Develop indicators to measure the success of Program Organice a Meeting of the Latin American Academy of Science Education (2014) Expand strategic alliances with public & private organizations that can support the Program

Short Term High Level Goals (1 - 2 years) Begin action for training science club tutors (students as scientists for primary) Start the training program for Evaluators Develop national bank of mentors to support the Science Clubs Review the evaluation system of Science Fair Consolidate DCC team Increase media comunication Consolidate social media strategy to comunicate program activities and interact with participants

Indicators of success Increase 100% the students and teachers in Science Clubs Increase 100% the participation in outside school groups Train 200 teachers per year Improve quantitative and qualitative success indicators of the Science Club Programs Increase 25% per year in media impact Host the Latin American Science Education Academy and the first Latin American Science Fairs Club

Action Plan Action Success measure Who is responsible Dead lines Presentation of ISEF & Academy experience Information shared with all of DICYT Gustavo & Amadeo June 2011 Make request for more human resources At least 3 people added and trained Gerardo December 2011 Training in science projects for tutors (initally) & teachers 150 Trained Teachers DCC December 2011 Training for evaluators 60 Trained Evaluators Implement the “Student as Scientist” program 500 Trained Teachers Team Members November 2014 Build quantitative and qualitative success indicators of the Science Club Programs New indicators ready Establish a prize of good practices in education using reseach strategies At least 40 participants in prize DICYT 2013 Communicate best good practices in schools Publication &/or website 2014

Intel ISEF Educator Academy 2011 Key Learning Triggered many new ideas Excellent networking opportunity Good to see common problems across many countries We were impressed by the organization and experiences from different countries Best Speeches: Osheroff Best Shop Talks: Shelly Shott, Cora Abel

Some pictures of the Academy 2011