Students from Bardejov spent a day full of discovery, experiments, and hands-on experiences with the world of nature and science.
On October 10, we welcomed students from Bartolomej Krpelac Elementary School in Bardejov to the Institute of Biological and Ecological Sciences at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. As part of the EFFUSE-win project, we prepared an interactive educational program that allowed them to explore the natural sciences through practical activities and experiential learning. The students had the opportunity to try the work of scientists, observe biological phenomena, and verify their knowledge through their own experiments.
At the physiology workshop, they learned how to use a microscope, observed blood smears of different vertebrates, and recognized differences between red and white blood cells. They were also intrigued by examples of blood parasites, which combined knowledge from physiology and parasitology.
At the zoology station, students could examine and handle various specimens—from invertebrates to vertebrates. They compared the skulls of carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores, observed mollusk shells, and explored the diversity of the animal kingdom. The program also included a lecture on exotic terrarium animals, accompanied by live demonstrations of snakes, a turtle, an agama, and invertebrates.
At the microbiology workshop, students learned about environmental microbiology and observed bacteria from yogurt (e.g., Lactobacillus) and Bacillus species. They examined the morphology of streptomycetes, measured the pH of samples from extreme environments, and practiced pipetting and basic laboratory techniques.
The event provided the students with a unique firsthand experience of science and supported their curiosity, creativity, and interest in the natural sciences.
