Bridging Informal and Classroom-Based STEM Engagement: A Multi-Context Outreach Model (#2451)

Authors

Acurio, Eliana

Irribarra, Esteban

Benítez, María J.

Sotomayor, Nelson

Abstract

STEM education continues to face challenges associated with limited exposure to experimental methodologies and predominantly lecture-centered practices, particularly in Latin American contexts. This study presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of Ciencia para Todos (Science for All), an integrated university-led outreach model centered on three main lines: Science in Public Spaces, Science in Museums, and Science in the Classroom. This work promotes and articulates experiential public activities, mediation by university students, structured teacher training, and digital dissemination within a unified operational structure. Evaluation was conducted using quantitative and qualitative perception indicators collected from public participants, undergraduate facilitators, and secondary school teachers across multiple implementation contexts. Results indicate high reported levels of satisfaction and perceived usefulness in informal environments, strong perceived applicability of active methodologies among teachers, and consistent formative reflections from participating students. Since the evaluation relied primarily on perception-based measures, rather than controlled learning instruments, the findings should be interpreted as indicators of perceived reception and transferability. The proposed framework provides a basis for future longitudinal evaluations of university-led STEM outreach initiatives.