Environmental Microbiology for Kids at Unijunior 2026: Educational activities in Bologna
- Nymphe
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
How can complex environmental science be explained to children in an engaging and accessible way? During the Unijunior 2026 initiative in Bologna, young participants discovered the hidden world of environmental microbiology and learned how bacteria can help clean polluted soils and groundwater. Through interactive educational lessons connected to the NYMPHE project, children explored the science behind bioremediation and gained insight into real-life environmental challenges and solutions.
Unijunior Initiative: Science Education for Children
Unijunior is an educational initiative bringing together universities from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy and the cultural association Leo Scienza, which specialises in educational projects and tools for children. The programme is also part of the European Children’s Universities Network (https://eucu.net/).
Every winter season, Unijunior Bologna offers a series of engaging one-hour lectures delivered by university researchers and professors to children aged 8–13. Held across selected Saturdays, the initiative introduces young audiences to science through accessible and interactive topics.
Bioremediation Lesson – 2026 edition
Following the positive response to last year’s edition, the lesson “Invisible cleaners: bacteria that help us clean polluted environments” returned in 2026 in two tailored versions: one designed for children aged 8–10 and another adapted for participants aged 11–13. Both sessions took place on 14 March 2026 in Bologna.
Participation and Engagement
Around 50 children attended the first session and 42 joined the second, demonstrating strong interest in the topic across both age groups.
The lessons introduced the fundamentals of environmental microbiology, focusing on the remarkable ability of bacteria to survive and adapt in polluted environments such as contaminated groundwater, oil spills, landfills and polluted soils. Children learned how certain bacteria can use pollutants as a source of energy, helping to naturally break down harmful compounds and clean contaminated environments – a process known as bioremediation.
From Theory to Real-World Applications - NYMPHE Project
To make the topic more tangible, the sessions included examples of laboratory experiments, pilot systems and real field applications connected to the NYMPHE project. Participants were shown images and explanations of soil drilling, piezometer monitoring and bacterial inoculation in groundwater remediation activities carried out at the ER site.
The version designed for older children placed greater emphasis on real environmental disasters where bioremediation technologies have been applied, while reducing the introductory microbiology section. Both groups responded with great curiosity and enthusiasm, particularly regarding bacteria’s ability to evolve and degrade toxic compounds. Older participants were especially engaged and asked numerous questions about laboratory work and scientific research.
Feedbacks:
Lesson 1 (8-10 years old):
Summary of the answers to a final questionnaire (42 participants out of 50 filled in the questionnaire):
59% female, 41% male
Average age: 8.9 y/o
Did you like the lesson? (possible choices: 1 to 3, with 3 = “a lot”): 35 out of 42 replied “3”
Lesson 2 (11-13 years old):
Summary of the answers to a final questionnaire (31 participants out of 42 filled in the questionnaire):
50% female, 50 % male
Average age: 11.4 y/o
Did you like the lesson? (possible choices: 1 to 3, with 3 = “a lot”): 26 out of 31 replied “3”
Educational materials for pupils
Would you like to inspire children to explore the invisible world of microorganisms? Discover easy-to-understand educational materials introducing the basics of environmental microbiology, bioremediation and nature-based solutions. These resources help young learners understand how bacteria can contribute to cleaning and protecting our environment.
“The Invisible, Rich and Colourful World of Bacteria” – lesson plan
The NYMPHE Educational Project presents “Bacteria and Their Role in Healing the Environment” – an engaging educational resource designed to showcase the important role bacteria play in environmental sustainability.
Learn how these tiny organisms, among the oldest and most widespread life forms on Earth, help maintain environmental balance and even support the cleanup of polluted environments through bioremediation.
Encourage your students to discover the fascinating potential of microorganisms and bring environmental science into the classroom in an accessible and inspiring way.
Access the materials and explore them with your students!
Summary
The Unijunior 2026 sessions in Bologna successfully introduced children to the fascinating world of environmental microbiology and bioremediation. Through interactive, age-tailored lectures, participants explored how bacteria can naturally help clean polluted environments and were exposed to real scientific applications linked to the NYMPHE project. The strong engagement and curiosity shown by both age groups highlight the effectiveness of combining hands-on examples with accessible science communication for young audiences.
Agenda of the event:
3 PM à Lesson 1 (8-10 years old kids) by Prof. Elena Biagi
3.45 PM à Questions and Answers
4.30 PM à Lesson 2 (11-13 years old kids) by Prof. Elena Biagi
5.15 PM à Questions and Answers
Links:
The lesson was conducted by Elena Biagi, University of Bologna (UNIBO) on 14 March 2026.
Project funded by the European Union
Grant Agreement ID: 101060625
Comments