Secondary school students took part in a week of research on aquatic ecosystems, combining fieldwork with laboratory activities.
As part of the Ciência Viva Programme "Aquatic Microworlds of Lisbon: Researching, Creating and Communicating Science", ESEL-IPLUSO welcomed Year 12 secondary school students from 6 to 10 July.
The initiative, led by ESEL lecturers Luísa Carvalho, Ana Rocha, Cristina Silva and Raquel Ramos, provided students with a hands-on introduction to scientific research in the field of aquatic ecosystems.
Throughout the programme, participants explored the world of microorganisms, discovering how they can serve as indicators of water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems in the Lisbon region.
The experience began with the creation of a research notebook, which accompanied the entire project and enabled students to record observations, hypotheses and results.
Students also carried out fieldwork to collect water samples, followed by laboratory analysis using microscopes. This practical component enabled them to identify different microscopic organisms and understand their relationship with the environmental characteristics of the locations studied.
As a final activity, the students designed educational resources for younger audiences and presented the results of their research, reinforcing the importance of scientific literacy and raising awareness of the need to protect aquatic ecosystems.
