Encounters with Science at ULA, Venezuela: an incentive for learning

In the School of Science of the Universidad de Los Andes (ULA), in Mérida, Venezuela, a very successful event focused on elementary and high school students, was founded in 2000. The name of this event is "Encounter with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology" (hereinafter "Encounters with Science"), and it integrates these disciplines, as well as Astronomy. Its main purpose is that young minds can become familiar with the methods of science inquiry and reasoning, and can understand the concepts and processes of the sciences through thoroughly prepared experiences.