On 7 January 2026, Joana Luísa Pereira, a researcher at CESAM/DBIO, took part in the Scientist Returns to School programme, delivered by Native Scientists. She visited the Loreto School Centre and EB1 Ingote Primary School in Coimbra, accompanied by members of the Coimbra municipality and colleagues from Native Scientists.
She ran a workshop in each school, giving 4th-grade pupils the opportunity to learn more about biodiversity and the food webs found in our lakes. The children explored how organisms—some of them microscopic—contribute to the health of these ecosystems and why it is essential to protect them so that we can continue to benefit from them in a sustainable way.
The researcher highlighted that “it was incredible to see how engaged the children were during the workshop, even during the more theoretical moments. It was wonderful to notice their eagerness to learn more about organisms many of them had never heard of, and to see their excitement during the hands-on activities, observing several species of microalgae and water fleas (Daphnia magna) under the microscope and magnifying glass—organisms we work with regularly in the lab. It was truly invaluable to see how keen they were to keep a small group of water fleas in the classroom for some time to observe their life cycle. I am certain that the attention with which they listened to all the recommendations, and their endless curiosity, will enable them to maintain the culture for a long time, learning more about this invertebrate, which is fundamental to maintaining balanced food webs and water quality in our lakes and reservoirs.”