As part of the Science & Technology Week this November, Alfredo Sánchez-Tójar, EXCELScIOR PI, visited a local primary school – Jardim-Escola João de Deus de Coimbra – to deliver a hands-on activity exploring bird beak evolution. The session invited children to experiment with different “beaks” and food types, simulating how adaptations help birds survive in diverse environments.
Through playful experimentation, students quickly uncovered patterns, challenges, and surprises, learning how nature’s design influences feeding strategies. This interactive approach not only made science fun but also introduced key concepts of evolution and adaptation in an accessible way.
Activities like this are central to EXCELScIOR’s mission: fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and early scientific literacy. By engaging young learners, we aim to inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the school for welcoming us and to the enthusiastic young scientists who participated with such energy and creativity.
