The early childhood education students participated in practical workshops on DNA, microscopic observation, and healthy eating, as well as meeting the characters from the IATEMON outreach project. Through playful activities, the schoolchildren experimented with genetics, biology, and nutrition.
In the field of genetics, the children performed a banana DNA extraction to observe the molecule and learned its structure using paper figures. They also used microscopes to observe cells, fish scales, and insects, and tested their curiosity with a hidden message game.
The day also included a fruit tasting to identify aromas and a simulated shopping activity to learn about recognizing healthy products and the importance of a balanced diet.
IATEMON was also presented, a scientific outreach project by IATA-CSIC funded by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), which uses augmented reality and gamification to bring food science closer to the public. The schoolchildren met its characters and received collectible cards.
This visit is part of the Week of Science and Technology 2026, promoted by the CSIC, aiming to open the doors of scientific research to educational centers and raise awareness from a young age about the value of science.
