Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Paraguay: An Educator Inspires the Next Generation of Environmental Scientists
“Every child has within them a natural curiosity that can change the world if it is nurtured with love and respect for the Earth.” —Jane Goodall
Since 2019, the GLOBE Program has been part of the learning experience at Colegio de la Asunción (CAS) in Paraguay, thanks in large part to the dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership of educator Bárbara Camacho.
Beginning with students in preschool and kindergarten, GLOBE Paraguay has opened opportunities for children to explore the world around them through play, observation, questions, and scientific discovery. Under Camacho's guidance, students learn about Earth's interconnected spheres—the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere—while developing the habit of looking at their surroundings with curiosity and attention.
What began with the youngest learners has grown into a school-wide culture of scientific exploration.
Inspiring Science Through Hands-On Learning
Camacho believes that science is best learned by doing. At CAS, students participate in experiments, environmental observations, science fairs, and collaborative projects that allow them to connect scientific concepts with the world around them.
Their projects range from soil investigations to biodiversity studies. Through these experiences, students ask questions, collect observations, analyze information, and share their findings.
Science fairs provide valuable opportunities for students to communicate what they have learned. Through these events, students present their work to peers, families, teachers, and the wider school community, building confidence while sharing their enthusiasm for science.
This approach encourages teamwork and collaboration. Students work together with teachers and families, creating a supportive environment where curiosity is celebrated, and scientific learning becomes a shared experience.
From Classroom Learning to Citizen Science
Through GLOBE, Camacho has helped students understand that science doesn’t happen only in a laboratory—it can also begin with carefully observing the environment around them. And by participating in GLOBE activities and environmental measurements, students are introduced to the principles of citizen science and learn that their observations can contribute to the broader scientific community.
Camacho has connected her students with GLOBE's international community through participation in GLOBE Latin America and Caribbean trees campaigns, connecting local environmental observations with a global effort to better understand and protect Earth's ecosystems.
She continues to participate in GLOBE training sessions and professional development opportunities, bringing new ideas and methodologies back to her classroom.
Building a Community Around Science
Camacho’s work demonstrates the importance of sustained collaboration among educators, families, schools, and organizations. Camacho recognizes the contributions of the CAS educational community, including its directors, parents, and educators, as well as the support of educator Florcita Rejis.
She also acknowledges the partnership with the Benjamin Franklin Science Corner, represented by programs coordinator and GLOBE Paraguay Country Coordinator Elida Moreno, as well as the Sociedad Científica del Paraguay and the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay.
Together, these partners have helped create an environment where young people can experience science firsthand and recognize the importance they play in understanding and caring for their environment.
Growing a Community of Young Scientists
Since GLOBE was introduced at CAS, Camacho has helped transform a program into a sustained learning experience, starting with the youngest students and extending throughout the school community. By giving students meaningful opportunities to practice science, she is helping prepare a new generation of scientists, environmental stewards, and engaged citizens.
Congratulations to Bárbara Camacho for her outstanding commitment to GLOBE and citizen science, and for inspiring the next generation of environmental scientists in Paraguay!
Learn more about GLOBE Paraguay.
Story and images courtesy of GLOBE Paraguay.