STEAM model: Educational experience of students in the construction of an alternative masonry prototype.

Resumen

This study documents the educational experience of Civil Engineering students through a community outreach project implemented on the North Coast of Honduras during 2023, focused on developing engineering competencies in the face of environmental problems such as plastic pollution and the need for sustainable construction supported by the reuse and recycling of PET plastics. The study used case analysis and participatory observation to evaluate the impact of the project and with a focus group the participation of the female volunteer population in construction roles was achieved, evidencing improvements in gender equity in STEAM fields and the construction industry, although there are still obstacles in women's labor insertion. In the process, 17 students developed educational skills, 20 women benefited from training on the reuse of PET plastic, 38.64 kg/m of plastic was prevented from negatively impacting the ecosystem of Omoa by making 312 bricks from plastic waste and a prototype of masonry was built for non-structural purposes, teaching the community self-construction techniques and offering the development of new skills. This approach not only challenges gender stereotypes, but also proposes a sustainable solution to the environmental problem, demonstrating the vital role of women and university education in promoting sustainable and responsible constructive practices aligned with the ideals of Society 5.0.