Third and fourth-grade students from Colegio Fernando León y Castillo in Telde, Gran Canaria, had today the opportunity to learn firsthand about the professional journey of a PLOCAN scientist dedicated to marine observation and recovery—Silvana Neves, Head of the Marine Observation and Recovery Research Line.
During the talk, the children learned about the importance of ocean conservation, the role of sound in the sea, and how discipline and language learning can open doors in the world of science.
The speaker shared her experiences, including nine months on a floating platform in the Amazon River, a month in the Netherlands caring for baby seals, and the pivotal moment that sparked her interest in marine acoustics—her first dolphin sighting during a research project in the Azores.
One of the most exciting moments of the day was the screening of a video about PLOCAN, which captivated the children, who were fascinated by the facilities and technological resources dedicated to ocean research.
Additionally, the talk served as an inspiration for young students by introducing them to female role models in science, from Marie Curie and Jane Goodall to Canarian scientists such as María del Carmen Betancourt y Molina.
Initiatives like this help foster scientific curiosity from an early age, showing young minds that the ocean is a world full of mysteries waiting to be discovered and that, with effort and passion, anyone can become part of its exploration and conservation.
