With Enthusiastic Participation, the DNA Workshop of the George and Maris Vergottis Foundation Comes to a Close
With great success and plenty of bright smiles, the two-day experiential science workshop for children and teenagers titled
“Young Researchers, Big Secrets: Discovering DNA”
was held on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August. It was organised by the George and Maris Vergottis Foundation at the Vergottis Cultural Centre in Kourkoumelata, in collaboration with scientists Dr Yiannis Drosos (Biologist, PhD, Assistant Professor at the School of Medicine, University of Patras) and Dr Reggina Kolaiti (Biologist, PhD), who conceived and designed the activity.
The turnout and the children’s enthusiasm exceeded all initial expectations. As places for the first day (Saturday) were snapped up immediately, the Foundation promptly arranged a second workshop on the Sunday, which was also fully booked. In total, more than 40 children and teenagers had the chance to become “young researchers” for two hours, playing, learning and discovering the magical world of Biology.
During the activity, the children learned in an accessible and entertaining way what DNA is and why it makes every organism unique. In the hands-on part of the workshop, the young participants observed onion cells under the microscope and carried out an impressive DNA extraction experiment using strawberries and simple everyday materials. At the end of the activity, the children received their certificates of participation with great excitement and plenty of smiles.
The George and Maris Vergottis Foundation extends its warm thanks to Dr Yiannis Drosos and Dr Reggina Kolaiti for their outstanding scientific curation and their engaging rapport with the children. It also warmly thanks all the parents and our young friends for their attendance and active participation.
