Mini Physics Laboratory Opens for Children

Reporter: Rocío Castañeda / Photographer: Jorge Aguilar

The new space at Cocendi will help preschool children develop skills related to scientific thinking.

The Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), through its Child Development Centers Coordination (Cocendi), inaugurated a Mini Physics Laboratory, a learning environment designed to foster scientific and mathematical thinking skills among preschool children.

The opening of this new space is the result of a collaborative effort between the Secretariat of Research and Graduate Studies, the Center for Research in Applied Science and Advanced Technology (CICATA) Legaria Unit, and Cocendi. Together, they are promoting the project “El Poli en Preescolar” (The Polytechnic in Preschool), an initiative that strengthens teacher training and encourages innovative educational experiences for children ages 3 to 6.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Secretary of Research and Graduate Studies, Martha Leticia Vázquez González, told the children that science is present in everything around us.

“In this Mini Physics Laboratory, you will be able to explore, be amazed by science, and discover many ways to transform the world. I invite you to enjoy this day of science and experience it through your curiosity,” she said.

She emphasized that this new laboratory—located at the Cocendi facilities in Zacatenco—will always be a place within the IPN where children can discover, explore, and be inspired by science.

Isaías Miranda Viramontes, Director of CICATA Legaria, highlighted the importance of promoting scientific knowledge among the most valuable members of society: children.

“This Mini Physics Laboratory reflects our intention as a research center to make a meaningful impact on society. We are committed to generating knowledge with social impact, and we want science to reach every child within the Polytechnic community and throughout Mexico,” he stated.

As part of the inauguration activities, held on May 27 and 28, children experienced the wonders of science in the Mini Physics Laboratory through demonstrations and activities focused on light, color, electricity, and sound.

The activities were developed by staff members from the Laura Pérez de Bátiz, Margarita Salazar de Erro, Eva Sámano de López Mateos, Clementina Batalla de Bassols, Amalia Solórzano de Cárdenas, and Zacatenco Child Development Centers, who received specialized training from researchers at CICATA Legaria.

The inauguration was also attended by the researchers who designed and implemented the “El Poli en Preescolar” project: Mario Humberto Ramírez Díaz, Carlos Israel Aguirre Vélez, Miguel Olvera Aldana, and Germán Köhler Fuentes.