As a prelude to the Third Colombian Paleontology Congress, the School of Geology at the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) held the “Colombian Paleontology Congress,” a conference that included dynamic talks and hands-on activities with fossils, aimed at students from rural educational institutions in the municipalities of Los Santos and San Vicente de Chucurí.
“The idea behind this visit is to provide young people with experiences focused on heritage and the mechanisms of fossilization, with the aim of generating a sense of ownership of the territory and highlighting the natural wealth of the department,” said Germán Patarroyo, professor at the School of Geology.
The talks and activities were led by students from the School of Geology’s research groups, who emphasized the importance of sparking interest in science and the conservation of the region’s natural wealth among young people.
“It is very rewarding to be able to teach and exchange knowledge with these students. Many come from villages surrounded by nature, and it is essential to encourage them to care for the environment, as well as to understand the importance of studying fossils,” said Laura Céspedes, a geology student.
The teachers who accompanied the students emphasized that the day was a motivating opportunity to foster interest in science, strengthen the vocation for higher education, and promote care for regional heritage.
“It was a wonderful experience. The students, most of whom come from rural institutions, rarely have access to this type of opportunity. Here, they not only learned about science, but also about the richness of our territories and the need to conserve them,” said Duván Rodríguez, a teacher at the Guamales Educational Institution in San Vicente de Chucurí.
The young visitors enjoyed the day to the fullest and expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to observe fossils up close, as well as their motivation to continue their university studies in science-related fields.
“It was an unforgettable experience. We learned about the origin of some fossils, and it was spectacular. I hope to return to the UIS and study this degree,” said Tatiana López, a student at the Guamales Educational Institution.
“I think these invitations from the UIS are very valuable because they not only motivate us to study here in the future, but also raise awareness. When we return to school, we will share with our classmates the importance of learning and valuing these topics,” said Danna Patarroyo, also a student at the Guamales Educational Institution.
The Third Colombian Paleontology Congress will be held from September 3 to 5, with an agenda that includes discussions, presentations, and keynote speeches.
