Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Paraguay: Celebrating Three Decades of GLOBE Through Science, Innovation, and Making
On 20 October 2025, the GLOBE community in Paraguay came together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the GLOBE Program through a special event that connected environmental science, STEAM education, citizen science, and hands-on innovation.
Hosted at Universidad Comunera in Asunción (UCOM), the celebration brought together students, educators, volunteers, university representatives, science communicators, makers, and representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay. Organized by Benjamin Franklin Science Corner (BFSC) and Sociedad Científica del Paraguay, in collaboration with UCOM, Paraguay Educa, and participating GLOBE schools, the event was held as a joint GLOBE 30th anniversary celebration and maker faire.
Exploring Science and Making
The event began with visits to Ben’s Maker Lab and the Paraguay Educa Space at UCOM, where participants explored hands-on learning and digital fabrication before gathering for the official opening ceremony.
The ceremony featured remarks from representatives of Sociedad Científica del Paraguay, UCOM, the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay, Paraguay Educa, BFSC, and Colegio de la Asunción. Lic. Elida Moreno, GLOBE Paraguay Country Coordinator and BFSC programs coordinator, spoke about the importance of giving students opportunities to participate in scientific inquiry and engage with their communities.
Teacher Bárbara Camacho from Colegio de la Asunción also shared her experience using GLOBE protocols and environmental observations in the classroom to encourage scientific inquiry and exploration of scientific careers. (Read more about Bárbara’s work in a recent GLOBE article An Educator Inspires the Next Generation of Environmental Scientists.)
Students at the Center of the Celebration
Following the opening ceremony, participants explored exhibits and demonstrations presented by students from Colegio de la Asunción, Lumen School, Centro de Capacitación Técnica de Luque, and Colegio Técnico Nacional.
BFSC also presented activities combining technology with GLOBE environmental science, including data-driven art installations using GLOBE data and citizen science demonstrations focused on topics such as cloud observations, air quality, and soil moisture.
Building the Future Through Science and Collaboration
The celebration recognized the contributions of schools, volunteers, teachers, and makers who support science education and the GLOBE community in Paraguay. By bringing these groups together, the event demonstrated the value of collaboration in creating meaningful learning opportunities for young people.
The event concluded with lunch and informal networking among members of Paraguay's growing GLOBE and STEAM community.
The anniversary celebration highlighted the strong network of students, educators, schools, universities, and community partners supporting environmental science education in Paraguay.
Additional information: https://linktr.ee/bfsc
Learn more about GLOBE Paraguay.
Story and image courtesy of GLOBE Paraguay.