Panamanian students compete in Space Science Olympiad to earn spot in regional competition

Forty students from public and private schools across Panama gathered for the ninth Pan American Space Science Olympiad, showcasing their expertise in astronomy, astronautics, physics, and chemistry. The event, hosted in Panama City, is a crucial step in selecting the national delegation for the upcoming Latin American Astronomy and Astronautics Olympiad in Asunción, Paraguay.

Organized by the National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Senacyt), the Olympiad narrowed down participants from an initial pool of nearly 300 students. The 40 finalists competed in a scientific camp, vying for a spot on the team. Arturo Pinilla, head of Innovation for Learning at Senacyt, explained that students qualified for the camp through a rigorous selection test.

A key component of the competition was a rocketry challenge, where students designed and evaluated rocket models constructed from recycled materials like plastic bottles, cardboard, and folders. One participant, Toni Zhu, shared his success from the previous year, having won a gold medal at the Latin American Olympiad held in Brazil. He highlighted the experience as a valuable opportunity to connect with peers passionate about space science.

Aislinn Chawla, another student, elaborated on the principles behind rocket construction, discussing the importance of the center of gravity for flight stability and aerodynamic aspects influenced by the design of fins and nose cones. Ultimately, five students will be selected to represent Panama at the regional competition in Paraguay, aiming to foster scientific skills and interest in space exploration.

“

Fortunately, I managed to win a gold medal in the Latin American Olympiads of Astronomy and Astronautics last year in Brazil.