Young Minds, Big Discoveries: Guardianes de la Naturaleza at Elisia Education Hub

Children and teenagers discovered the wonders of science through hands-on activities that encouraged exploration, learning, and a deeper connection with nature.

Every great discovery begins with curiosity. From exploring the smallest living organisms to understanding the natural world, each new experience offers young minds an opportunity to ask questions, uncover new perspectives, and see the world in a different way.

With this purpose, on October 17, Elisia Education Hub hosted Guardians of Nature, an initiative organized by the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro which brought children and teenagers between 7 and 16 years old closer to science through educational and interactive experiences where our teachers and students from the Science & Mathematics area participated in the development of activities designed to promote observation, experimentation and interest in the natural sciences.

Learning through experience

During the day, participants had the opportunity to discover that science is present in their daily lives and that understanding it begins with something as simple as observing, asking questions, and experimenting.

The experience began with the talk “Microorganisms: Invisible Superheroes,” given by Sharinny Pérez, in which they explored the role of these tiny living beings in health, food, and the environment. Through examples and activities, they discovered how microorganisms also contribute to the balance of ecosystems.

Subsequently, the attendees participated in workshops that allowed them to explore different areas of scientific knowledge:

Biology: A journey through the world of insects. Through a guided exploration of the campus and observations with a microscope, they learned about different insects and arachnids, their characteristics, and their importance to the functioning of ecosystems.

Chemistry: Climate Change and the Greenhouse Effect. Through experimentation, they discovered how certain gases retain heat and what their implications are for the climate, relating scientific knowledge to everyday actions for the care of the planet.

Visit to the Axolotarium. Participants learned more about the axolotl, an emblematic species of Mexico, its biological characteristics, and its relevance to the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

These experiences allowed participants to approach scientific work in a practical way, developing their curiosity and a greater understanding of the importance of protecting the natural environment.

Developing scientific curiosity early

Exposure to science during childhood and adolescence helps develop skills that accompany students throughout their education, such as critical thinking, observation, creativity, and problem-solving.

Initiatives like Guardians of Nature offer new generations the opportunity to discover their own interests, explore different disciplines, and understand how scientific knowledge can contribute to people’s well-being and the care of the environment.

Furthermore, the participation of university professors and students allows for the establishment of a link between different educational stages, bringing younger people closer to spaces of learning and experimentation that can inspire their future academic decisions.

Our commitment to the Queretaro society

A university’s impact is also reflected in its ability to share knowledge and generate learning opportunities that extend beyond its student community. For Elisia Education Hub, participating in initiatives like Guardians of Nature represents an opportunity to strengthen ties with the Querétaro community, collaborate with educational institutions in the region, and help more children and teenagers access experiences that foster their development.

The collaboration with Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro reflects the value of combining efforts between institutions to promote scientific dissemination, environmental education, and the participation of new generations in issues relevant to their community.

Being a university committed to Queretaro means recognizing that education has the potential to generate an impact far beyond the classroom. It means creating opportunities, sharing resources and knowledge, and actively contributing to the educational, scientific, and social development of our community.

Because when we bring science closer to new generations, we not only awaken their curiosity: we also contribute to forming a more informed, participatory society that is aware of its capacity to build a better future.