On 10 April 2026, we had the pleasure of welcoming students from the Jan Paweł II Upper Secondary School Complex in Pawłowice. The second workshop session was dedicated to ecotoxicology-related topics and provided an opportunity for participants to gain hands-on research experience.
During the visit, students were introduced to modern research and technical facilities and had the opportunity to see what scientific work looks like in practice, using specialised tools and technologies. It was a unique chance to experience direct contact with a professional research environment and laboratory work conditions.
An important part of the workshop focused on learning the principles of breeding beneficial organisms, including:
- seven-spot ladybird,
- green lacewing,
- parasitic wasp,
- predatory mite,
- water fleas,
- non-biting midge larvae,
- zebrafish,
- duckweed,
- algae,
- water milfoil.
Particular interest was generated by the presentation of all developmental stages of the seven-spot ladybird and the green lacewing, which was met with great enthusiasm and numerous questions from the participants.
The workshops also had a strong practical component. Students:
- worked independently with microscopes, observing predatory mites and spider mites,
- performed counts of water fleas,
- took part in setting up an experiment and subsequent stages of research on the reproduction of springtails and earthworms, including counting adult and juvenile individuals,
- learned methods for extracting organisms from test substrates.
In addition, students were able to observe research conducted on plants, learning about the spraying process and the principles of plant cultivation in specialised environmental test chambers.
At the end of the workshop, participants were introduced to mesocosm studies, learning about their assumptions and importance in assessing the impact of environmental factors on the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.
We are very pleased with the high level of engagement, curiosity and openness to learning demonstrated by the students. We hope that participation in the workshops will inspire them to further develop their scientific interests and to explore the world of science and technology in a conscious and informed way.
