CMM brings math games and challenges to the 2nd “Discovering Knowledge” Fair at the University of Chile

In an atmosphere brimming with curiosity, learning, and family enthusiasm, the 2nd Discovering Knowledge Fair of the University of Chile took place on October 4 at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), Quinta Normal campus. Organized by the Vice-Rectory for Research and Development (VID), the event gathered more than 600 participants —including children, young people, and adults— who took part in a variety of interactive experiences designed to bring science, technology, and innovation closer to the public.

In this edition, the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (FCFM) participated with its Math Games and Challenges stand, led by Flavio Guiñez, CMM’s Outreach Coordinator. Through playful activities and mathematical modeling challenges, the CMM team succeeded in sparking scientific curiosity among children and young visitors alike.

The Discovering Knowledge Fair is part of the celebration of Chile’s National Day of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, consolidating itself as a key platform that promotes scientific culture and civic engagement. More than twenty academic units, centers of excellence, laboratories, and biological collections from the University of Chile joined the initiative, offering talks, demonstrations, and interactive exhibitions.

During the event, Professor Pilar Barba, Vice-Rector for Outreach and Communications, emphasized that “we see in this event an invaluable opportunity to bring science, innovation, and creativity closer to the community, to share the outcomes of our research, and to inspire new generations.”

Meanwhile, Professor Rómulo Fuentes, Director of Research at the University of Chile, praised the event’s high turnout and invited participants to “reflect on how the generation of knowledge impacts their lives. The message is to stop seeing science as something distant, confined to universities —because it is present in every aspect of our daily lives, and we interact with it constantly.”

With the “CMM Math Games and Challenges”, we invited both children and adults to discover that mathematics, logical thinking, and learning truly flourish when shared within a community.

Written by Cintia Beltrán
Photos by VID

Posted on Oct 20, 2025 in News