STEM Education to Foster Mexican Communities: A Start-Up Approach

Low performance in science among Mexican students, as reported in the OECD’s 2022 PISA study, highlights systemic challenges in the country’s education system. Barriers such as outdated curricula, underprepared teachers, and limited access to scientific equipment contribute to these results. Addressing these gaps, Educaciencia, a start-up founded in 2021 by students and staff from Mexico’s National Laboratory for Advanced Microscopy, has developed a range of affordable, 3D-printed, modular microscopes designed for primary to high school students. These microscopes are user-friendly, easy to maintain, and tailored to enhance STEM education.

Beyond providing low-cost equipment, Educaciencia emphasizes teacher training by offering classroom-ready curricula and experimental practices. By bridging the gap between students and real-world microscopy, the initiative empowers educators to integrate hands-on scientific tools effectively. Collaborations with the Mexican Bioimaging Community, including workshops supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, have enabled outreach to underserved communities, particularly in Mexico City and Cuetzalan, Puebla.

Educaciencia has organized more than 25 outreach events in schools and public spaces, engaging diverse audiences, including children, young people, and adults, in the world of STEM. These activities are carefully designed to combine optics, microscopy, and foundational STEM knowledge in interactive and hands-on ways. Participants explore sample preparation techniques, play with laser chess to understand light and optics, and use our 3D-printed microscopes to observe prepared specimens such as vegetable and animal cells. Additionally, puzzles and games centered around light microscopy encourage participants to connect biological concepts with tangible experiences. These events aim to spark curiosity and inspire audiences of all ages to explore the possibilities of science and technology, creating a bridge to STEM education through accessible, innovative approaches.