UniCamillus University is known for launching projects to support local communities in collaboration with primary and secondary schools. At the moment, a project for the prevention of dental functional health and malocclusions and a project for nutritional education and prevention are underway in collaboration with primary and secondary schools in Rome.
But not only in Rome! The UniCamillus campus in Venice Lido has also recently launched a series of workshops aimed at stimulating young people’s interest in science and offering local schools a unique opportunity for hands-on learning.
The initiative is intended for the students of the secondary schools of Venice Lido and has been made possible thanks to the collaboration with the Istituto Comprensivo Franca Ongaro, whose lower secondary school classes have enthusiastically embraced this educational project.
The aim of the initiative is twofold: to offer the local community the opportunity to enjoy innovative and interactive science workshops on fundamental topics such as biology, health and science; and to stimulate interest in science at a very young age, creating a direct link between schools and universities to encourage curiosity and a passion for science.
These workshops are taught by tutors of the UniCamillus MSc Medicine: Francesca Spinella (Biology), Mirco Galiè (Human Anatomy), Annalisa Tassone (Physiology), Edoardo Parrella (Histology), Micol Massimiani (Histology) and Andrea Brossa (Physiology).
The interest in these workshops was so great that we could call them ‘sold out’!
Workshop programme
- 31st March:
- Class 2E (18 learners)
- Class 1E (20 learners)
Activity: Microscopy and Anatomy
Tutors: Francesca Spinella and Mirco Galiè
- 3rd April:
- Class 2D (19 learners)
Activity: Anatomy and Microscopy
Tutors: Annalisa Tassone and Edoardo Parrella
- 30th April:
- Class 1D (20 learners)
Activity: Microscopy
Tutor: Edoardo Parrella
- 5th May:
- Class 2B (19 learners)
- Class 1A (22 learners)
Activity: Anatomy and Microscopy
Tutors: Mirco Galié and Edoardo Parrella
- 13th May:
- Class 2A (20 learners)
- Class 1B (20 learners)
Activities: Microscopy, Physiology and First Aid Procedures
Tutors: Micol Massimiani and Andrea Brossa
Workshop topics
Microscopy workshop: ‘Discovering our DNA’
One of the main topics to be explored during these workshops is DNA, defined as the ‘book of life’. Students will have the opportunity to discover the structure and function of this fundamental molecule, which contains the genetic information that determines how we are made and how our cells function. Using a microscope, students will be able to observe DNA in action during cell division and learn how genetic information is transferred from one cell to another.
Microscopy workshop: ‘Discovering cells’
This workshop offers children the chance to immerse themselves in the study of the cells and tissues that make up our bodies: using a microscope, students can directly observe the incredible complexity and beauty of cellular processes.
Anatomy workshop: ‘What’s going on inside my head? Our mysterious nervous system.
The nervous system is the great mastermind of our body: it gathers information, processes thoughts, controls movement and regulates emotions. But how does it really work? What is the role of the brain, the nerves and the electrical signals that travel through us at the speed of light? In this workshop, students will have the opportunity to better understand the workings of this extraordinary biological machine that enables us to think, feel and act.
Learning about Basic Life Support procedures
Another important topic to be covered is first aid and basic life support (BLS) procedures. The aim is to teach young people the basics of dealing with emergency situations in a simple and understandable way, so that they are prepared to deal with emergencies that may occur in everyday life in a responsible manner.
What does the future look like? Much brighter if young people are educated in science!
These workshops not only provide an overview of fundamental scientific topics, but also help students develop a greater awareness of health and how the human body works.
UniCamillus continues to promote quality science education for the very young, with the aim of inspiring a new generation of talent in the fields of medicine and science.
