[HEALTH EDUCATION TROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC SKILLS IN CHILEAN SCHOOLS].

Objective:

To describe the interests, preferred topics and learning in public health issues emerging from Chilean students with their participation in a science education experience.

Materials and methods:

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in 29 school research groups through the project Salud Con-Ciencia en tu Barrio, based on a content analysis of texts and narratives of students.

Results:

Students prioritize the situation of abandoned animals, waste management, security and urban infrastructure, mainly. They view the role of social actors, the positive/negative impacts on the community, valuing the knowledge gained through observation neighborhoods and interaction with neighbors.

Conclusions:

Scientific inquiry school in the neighborhood context provides teaching strategies for the promotion of local health, develops basic notions of community health and motivation in students linked to the socio-environmental reality of their neighborhoods.