This article consists of describing the Pequenƒ os Cienti¬ficos program (literally translated as `little scientists' program) led by aninitiative at the School of Engineering at Universidad de los Andes and defines the program's goals to promote scientific andtechnological literacy. This article stresses the role that Science and Engineering Schools can play in the development of scientificliteracy in K-12 education, and makes a stand for the importance of the ability to inquire, when learned from an early age, in thedevelopment of critical thinking and civic participation. In the Colombian context, the Pequenƒ os Cienti¬ficos program emerges as apartnership between Science and Engineering schools (at both college and graduate level), K-6 science teachers, institutions, scienceacademies and museums that are devoted to children's education. Strategies of teacher training, evaluation, community relationshipsand the development of materials are discussed.