Uruguay’s National Administration of Public Education (ANEP), the public body responsible for the country’s primary and secondary education system, has recognised the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo’s science outreach activities as being of educational interest.
The Institute offers a range of outreach activities for the general public, as well as for primary and secondary school students.
Guided tours: Twice a year, in February and June, schools can register to take part in a draw for places on guided tours of the Institute. Tours take place on Fridays from March to November, with two sessions available: morning at 9.30 am and afternoon at 2.30 pm. During the visit, students explore the Institute’s facilities with members of the scientific team, learn about the research carried out at the Institute and take part in a practical laboratory activity, depending on the size of the group.
Open Day and Heritage Day: In May and October, the Institute opens its doors to the general public and offers a range of activities. In October, the programme varies each year according to the theme set by Uruguay’s Ministry of Education and Culture. Activities have included science stands, talks, educational activities and experiments.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Every year, the Institute welcomes children to spend a day in the laboratory alongside women scientists. During the activity, researchers talk to the children about their work and explain how science is done at the Institute. The activity is open to all children who wish to take part; participants are invited to submit a drawing or video in response to the theme “International Day of Women and Girls in Science”.
Travelling and external exhibitions: The Institute has three exhibitions that travel around the country to explore different scientific topics: El Pasteuriano, Yellow Fever and Science Without Borders. As part of EspacioCiencia, a science outreach initiative, the Institute also contributed to the creation of Modo Micro, a series of interactive stands that invite visitors to discover the microscopic world.
The band “No Te Preocupes (en realidad hacemos ciencia)” is made up of researchers from IP Montevideo who perform well-known songs and connect them with scientific knowledge, explained in an engaging and accessible way. Through music, the Institute aims to bring science closer to society.
El Hormiguero is a puppet show that brings together art and science to tell the story of a girl and her dog who embark on an extraordinary adventure after falling into an anthill, where they encounter some very unusual ants. In this unfamiliar world, through a series of entertaining episodes, the characters explain how science is done and explore some of the challenges faced by scientists.
The show is recommended for children aged between 5 and 9–10 years. It lasts 50 minutes and includes an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and interact with the scientists.
