Students from 2°E TP obtain 1st place in the Marble Challenge 2025

With creativity, precision and innovation, the students Cristóbal Cavieres, Javier Rodríguez and Martín Contardo, from 2°E TP of the Centro Educativo Salesianos Talca in Chile, together with their teacher Geraldine Labraña, obtained first place in the Marble Challenge 2025, standing out among the participants for the design and execution of a marble run built with recycled materials.

The activity, organized by THINKey in conjunction with American Spaces, the Chilean American Institute and other institutions, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Chile, was held on Monday, July 7 at the University of Talca. The event brought together students from different schools in the region in an environment marked by collaboration, competition and practical learning.

Martín said that this experience was deeply enriching for the team: "It is the first time we have participated in an event of this kind, and also at a university. We were able to interact with colleagues from other schools. All the work gave us a lot of satisfaction and learning".

Cristóbal shared details about the creative process behind the project: "It was a marble circuit made with recycled material, that was the objective. I see it as a combination of science, art and recycling. We had to be creative and also competitive, because we presented the project and then rebuilt it in the competition."

Teacher Geraldine Labraña, who accompanied and advised the group throughout the process, highlighted the commitment and skills demonstrated by her students: "The young people not only built a circuit; they proved their scientific skills and their ability to adapt to new situations. It was an experience that allowed them to develop integral skills".

The project integrated elements of physics, art and engineering, developed within the framework of the science laboratory. Students applied fundamental concepts such as motion, frictional force, velocity and acceleration, which reinforces the hands-on learning of the Physics subject.

This recognition highlights leadership, teamwork and the application of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) skills, demonstrating how vocational-technical education can make a significant difference in challenging and inspiring contexts.

This achievement motivates the young people to continue on the scientific path, especially in the subject of Physics, for which they achieved this triumph.  It also reaffirms the commitment of Centro Educativo Salesianos Talca to an integral education, which encourages students to dream, create and transform their reality through knowledge and innovation.