Operación Éxito: making students fall in love with science

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Cited from endi.com and La Fortaleza, Office of the First Lady news "OE offers students from the public education system of Puerto Rico an alternative science curriculum, which they can access 365 days of the year, 24/7. They learn having the incentive of a special adventure like diving, golf, protocol, mechanics, among others. Once the students choose their favorite adventure, they “compete” through the computer, accumulating points while they learn in a fun way." This initiative provides students with a different alternative to learn chemistry, physics and biology while they have fun, strengthening their performance and getting them involved with their academic activities. Before the final competition the participants have a time-out period, in which they prepare to try to win their favorite adventure. The winner of the first edition of OE was Natjalie Salas Cruz, of the Catalina Morales de Flores School, in Moca, whom confessed that before becoming involved in the competition, science was not her favorite subject, but decided to accept the challenge because she enjoys to discover and learning new things. "This young lady fell so hard for science, that now she wants to go to Medical School in the United States and become a Pediatrist. Natjalie won a Toyota Prius and a $2.000 scholarship of Banco Popular." Teachers and school directors are also recognized, as the students can accumulate points for them, too. "Chemistry teacher Glenda Mercado, from the Segundo Ruiz Belvis School in Hormigueros, received the Successful Teacher award, which consists of a scholarship to travel to Alaska Science Center in Anchorage, where she will participate in a project of the prestigious research center. The director of the school, Carmen Greene, received a trip to Seville, Spain, for her support to the educative project." "`We completely trust the talent of our young people. If we help develop their capacities, we will have a better future for Puerto Rico. I don’t have any doubt that teachers in our public schools are doing an excellent job, especially if they can count on the support of projects like Operación Éxito', the governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá said."

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