Cancún Students Build Rockets and Explore the Universe at Free Planetarium Event

Cancún, Quintana Roo — More than 700 students, many accompanied by their parents, explored the universe, built model rockets and handled marine specimens on Friday at the Domo Deportivo de la Región 96, part of a free science outreach program aimed at Cancún families.

Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa toured the installations and urged Quintana Roo residents to take advantage of the free activities offered by the “Planetario en tu Colonia” (Planetarium in Your Neighborhood) program.

Accompanied by Cristopher Malpica Morales, director general of the Quintana Roo Council for Humanities, Science and Technology (COQHCYT), and Verónica Lezama, honorary president of the state DIF family services agency, the governor visited the activity modules and met with students from the 8 de Octubre primary school, the Cecilio Chí and Técnica 17 middle schools, and the Colegio Bostón and Bachilleres high schools.

Lezama said the program brings educational experiences to neighborhoods, parks and public spaces, particularly in vulnerable areas or communities with limited access to such services.

Hands-On Science and Space

Among the day’s workshops were a session on the phases of the moon, a Lego rocket-building challenge, exhibitions, and solar and lunar observation, along with activities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Inside the science trailer, students learned about animal anatomy, insects, microscopes, a robotics club, physics and the human body. Demonstrations included a plasma coil, tuning forks and a Van de Graaff generator.

The Cancún Chess Club offered lessons in the game to encourage new talent, while the Amigos de Contoy association brought a traveling exhibition of marine species from the Mexican Caribbean.

Malpica said the program has reached 2,430 people across its six editions, held at sports domes in Prado Norte “A,” Cedro Prado Norte “B,” Villas Otoch Paraíso, Región 95, Parque Barrio Maya and Región 96.

Sessions run on Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with one day per location. The site of each edition is announced weekly on COQHCYT’s social media accounts. The next event is set for Thursday, Oct. 29, for the Janal Pixan celebrations at the Domo de la 510, according to officials.

Officials said the project is a strategy to maintain and expand science outreach while the Ka’ Yok’ Planetarium in Cancún undergoes renovation, modernization and remodeling.

Jacobo Arzate Hop, president of the Quintana Roo Sports Commission (CODEQ), also took part in the tour.