Be a Microscientist!
Environmental awareness has never been more important than today, as our planet’s ecosystem faces serious threats. The “Be a Microscientist!” project was launched as part of a campaign to raise awareness about invisible river waste pollution, with the goal of increasing young people’s environmental consciousness and sparking their curiosity about nature.
2024.04.01-én induló Erasmus+ program köznevelés kategóriájában, a pályázat vége: 2026.03.31.
What is "Be a Microscientist!"?
The project encourages children to take on the role of “researcher,” using magnifying glasses, field microscopes, and other simple tools to discover the tiny parts of the world, riverside creatures, and microplastics found in rivers. This interactive educational initiative playfully shows kids why it is crucial to care for the environment and how even the smallest things can have a huge impact on our ecosystem and the people who are part of it, including themselves.
The Dangers of Microplastics:
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm that end up in rivers and, through them, in the seas and oceans. One of the program’s main objectives is for children to explore how microplastics and natural materials interact, and how aquatic habitats respond to the increasing concentration of microplastics. Using magnifying glasses and UV lights, children can investigate the level of microplastic pollution in their local riverside environment and trace how these microscopic particles ended up in the river. With the help of researchers from MATE, they can also explore whether nature can adapt to these changing conditions.
A gyerekek játszva tanulnak, miközben maguk is részeseivé válnak egy nagyobb célnak: a Föld védelmének. A természetvédelmi szakértők és pedagógusok által vezetett foglalkozások nemcsak információkat nyújtanak, hanem gyakorlati útmutatót is adnak ahhoz, hogyan vigyázhatunk jobban a természetre. Egyedülálló elem, hogy a projekt a gyerekek végtelen kreativitására, őszinteségére is alapoz, amikor bevonja őket a megoldási javaslatok kidolgozásába.
How Does the Project Work?
As part of the “Be a Microscientist!” project, teachers organize riverside excursions for 10-14-year-olds, where the children themselves can become “researchers.” Through various sensory tasks and basic equipment, they can explore the small wonders of nature, discover their role and impact, and propose solutions to mitigate the problems they have identified.
Education and Fun Go Hand in Hand
Every field activity and time spent in nature is both refreshing and inspiring. One of the biggest advantages of the project is that it not only educates but also entertains, offering the joy of experiential learning. Children learn through play while becoming part of a bigger mission: protecting the Earth. Led by conservation experts and teachers, these sessions not only provide information but also practical guidance on how to better care for nature. A unique element of the project is that it builds on children’s boundless creativity and honesty by involving them in the development of solutions.
The Environmentally Conscious Scientists of Tomorrow
The core idea of the “Be a Microscientist!” project is to help children understand that even at a young age, they can do a lot for the environment. This experience-based learning process contributes to the next generation being more conscious about environmental protection. The children not only discover the small wonders of nature but also learn what they can do for a sustainable future.