This past Monday, 26 students from 3º and 4º ESO at Instituto Abadiño took part in a unique science workshop. The session, designed to bridge the gap between astronomy and materials science, was led by researchers Beñat Olave (POLYMAT) and Elvira Gutierrez (EHU).

Unlocking the Mystery of Eclipses
The first half of the workshop focused on our solar system. A common question in basic astronomy is: If the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth once a month, why don't we experience a solar eclipse every month?

Rather than just reading the answer, the students built their own physical models to visualize orbital mechanics. Through this practical exercise, they were able to clearly see how the specific alignment and tilt of the Moon's orbit dictate when eclipses actually occur.

From Outer Space to Everyday Materials
After looking out at the stars, the workshop brought the focus back down to the molecular level. Using a series of interactive card games, the students explored the fascinating world of chemistry.

The researchers revealed a surprising connection to the students: the very materials they used to build their eclipse models, the majority of the everyday objects in their classroom, and even the biological makeup of their own bodies all consist of natural and synthetic polymeric materials.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists