Jems
As part of the AllerShield project, three educational workshops in the period from March 7-11, 2025 were successfully held in Banja Luka, engaging students from Branko Ćopić and Zmaj Jova Jovanović primary schools. These workshops provided a unique opportunity for children to explore the world of pollen, its role in nature, and its impact on human health.
Hands-on Learning and Scientific Exploration
The workshops were designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing students to learn through practical activities and discussions. The students also used microscopes to examine pollen grains, analyzing their shapes and structures, and participated in creative exercises by drawing their interpretations of pollen.
A special highlight of the workshops was a visit to the laboratories of the Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska, where students observed real-world environmental analysis.
Children and Teachers Reaction
From the first scientific experiments to the laboratory visit, the children enthusiastically participated in all activities and emphasized that this way of learning was especially interesting to them.
“It was my first time seeing pollen under a microscope, and it looks like tiny monsters! It was so exciting!” said one of the students, while others highlighted that they learned why some people sneeze in spring and how air quality is measured.
The teachers who attended the workshops praised the approach and the way the sessions were conducted: “These workshops are invaluable because students can better understand complex scientific concepts through play and experiments. This is not just learning – this is an inspiration for future young scientists!”
Empowering Future Generations Through Education
The AllerShield project continues to emphasize the significance of pollen monitoring and its connection to public health. Through these workshops, children not only gained valuable scientific knowledge but also developed awareness of environmental issues in a fun and engaging way.
More about the project and partners is available here.
