Abstract:

The Science and Technology Station/La Estación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (La Estación) is a project born from the collaboration of two institutions: the City Council and the University of Burgos. The project is housed in a historic municipal building, the city's former train station. Built in 1901, the building covers approximately 1,900 m2 and was rehabilitated for municipal use in 2015, following the rerouting of the railway line from the city center. Initially, the building, known as La Estación, was used for children and youth leisure. In 2019, the University of Burgos' Culture and Innovation Unit (UCC+I) became involved in the project, changing its name to La Estación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (The Science and Technology Station). The goal of both institutions has been to create a unique space dedicated to promoting scientific and technological culture in society and, in particular, to fostering STEAM vocations in children and young people in pre-university settings. The space is divided into different areas: Pequeciencia, Science Lab, Game Lab, Biospace, Robot Space, Maker Space, and the Orbit exhibition area. Over the five years of operation at La Estación, several programs have been developed. In the mornings, from Tuesday to Thursday, La Estación is open to educational centers, which can request a visit that includes two workshops. These are offered at the beginning of the school year, and the center can choose between science and/or technology workshops. In the afternoons, annual programs are organized, with 1.5-hour sessions one day a week and consisting of 25 sessions. The programs range in age from 4 to 18 years old. These programs include: Pequeciencia and Minimaker for children aged 4 to 7, Robotics and Programming Club for preschool and early primary school students, UBUMaker for students from third grade onward, and UBUproyecta for secondary school students. There is also a specific MakerGirls program for elementary school girls, whose main objective is to empower girls with technological tools from an early age. After two years, these girls are integrated into the mixed UBUMaker program. Throughout this past academic year, new programs for adults have already been launched in La Estación's Maker Space. Furthermore, and with the aim of bringing scientific and technological culture to as many people as possible, La Estación also develops other activities, such as: La Estación Abierta (Open Station) for non-profit groups and associations with inclusive science activities. La Estación operates with online activities or in-person activities outside of La Estación, as is the case with Divulgoneta, in which science and technology workshops are bring to towns in the province of Burgos with a van. Training is also provided to primary and secondary school teachers to assist in the application of the LOMLOE (Learning for the Development of Science in Education) key competencies in STEM disciplines. In addition, La Estación also hosts exhibitions, talks, and promotes science-based board games on weekends. In short, La Estación is a unique place where the motto is "learning by doing." https://laestacioncyt.es/.

Keywords:

Science, Technology, STEM, STEAM, Non formal education.