Introducing Educaciencia: Bridging Gaps in STEM Education in Mexico 

Today, I’m excited to introduce Educaciencia, a pioneering spin-off from Mexico’s National Laboratory of Advanced Microscopy (LNMA). Our journey began with a transformative project called Educascope, and through this post, I want  to share with you how this initiative has evolved, and the impact it has had on STEM education.

The Challenge: Addressing Gaps in STEM Education

Microscopes are often the first tool that kids associate with science. However, in Mexico, basic educational levels face significant challenges: insufficient scientific equipment, lack of maintenance, outdated curricula, and inadequate teacher training. This deficiency is starkly reflected in the PISA test results, where only 1% of students achieve high competence, and 35% fall below the minimum science level.

The Birth of Educascope

In 2018, we realized that combining our expertise in microscopy, biochemistry, and biology could bridge these educational gaps. Our solution: Educascope, which utilizes two main innovations:

1. 3D-Printed Microscopes: Inspired by the openflexure microscope, we developed robust, affordable microscopes designed specifically for children.
2. Train-the-Trainer Philosophy: We focused on empowering educators to spread knowledge effectively.

Collaborators like Christopher Wood, Raul Pinto, and myself laid the groundwork. Engineer Oliver Valdez enhanced the openflexure design, resulting in the EducaMicro. Esli Carreño developed the EducaMacro, a macroscope that integrates a laser lens, lamp, and a cellphone. Julia Conrado and Yuriney Amaro furthered the project, leading to the birth of Educaciencia.

Our Mission and Innovations

Founded in 2021, Educaciencia stands on three pillars:

1. Connecting Academia with Society
2. Encouraging Curiosity in STEM Areas
3. Innovating STEM Education

Our 3D-printed microscopes, including the EducaMicro, EducaMacro, and the latest EducaMood, are modular, easy to use, and maintain. These features make them appealing to both teachers and students, fostering interest in STEM.
We continue to innovate, with projects like a microscope featuring an electronic circuit for automated motion and the EducaFLIM, a collaborative tool for teaching Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) with FLIM Labs.

Outreach and Impact

Since 2022, we have been actively involved in Mexican Bioimaging Workshops (MBWs), with outreach activities. Our microscopes have reached around five cities in our country, expanding access to quality STEM education.

A highlight of our outreach has been our collaboration with Monica Ramírez, an active microscopist who initiated discussions with the head of Mexico City. This collaboration allowed us to join the Caravan of Sciences and Humanities, organized by SECTEI and UNAM. This caravan, focusing on innovation, freedom, art, education, and knowledge, aims to reduce social, cultural, and economic inequalities across municipalities in Mexico City.

Our participation in approximately 25 workshops has enabled us to connect with other microscopists in Mexico, all of whom are committed to bridging the STEM education gap.

Going Forward

The journey from Educascope to Educaciencia has been filled with a lot challenges but also a lot of rewards. We remain committed to enhancing STEM education for future generations.
Stay connected with us on social media @Educacienciamx on Instagram, Facebook, and X to follow our latest developments and initiatives.

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