The group also visited the institution's Veterinary Hospital and got a close look at research equipment and materials, such as cells and viruses

Curiosity is one of the foundations when it comes to research and knowledge development. Without this tool, there is no way to advance or evolve in the field of discovery. And, equipped with a great deal of curiosity, ninth-grade students from Santa Joana Francisca Municipal Elementary School, from Picada Café, visited the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory (LMM) at Feevale University, and the Feevale Veterinary Hospital (Hovet). The initiative stemmed from the students themselves, prompted by questions raised in the classroom, and was embraced by the Virasaude Project – Virology in Action Aiming at Public Health, linked to Feevale's Master's in Virology program. This program aims to disseminate information about the importance of research, the popularization of science, and vaccination. During their visit to the institution, the students had the opportunity to learn about the steps involved in the research and development of antivirals. During the meeting, they also clarified questions about vaccines and discovered possible career paths in virology. The group visited the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory and the Hovet Laboratory, where they had direct contact with equipment, supplies, and laboratory practices essential for scientific research, including cell cultivation and the analysis of viruses and bacteria.

At the LMM, they were able to understand how research into the development of antivirals and vaccines works. With the help of master's students from the Graduate Program in Virology and graduates in Pharmacy and Biomedicine, they observed cultures of mammalian cells and viruses. At Hovet, they learned about the possibilities of veterinarians and experiments to evaluate antibacterials.

Juliane Fleck, the coordinator of the LMM and project manager, emphasizes the importance of movements like this, because they put students at the forefront of interesting and feasible proposals. "This is incredible because there are still families very resistant to vaccination and other evidence-based practices, and seeing young people seeking science-based clarification, we are optimistic," says Juliane.

Teacher Daniela Goetz, who teaches Mathematics at the Picada Café school, accompanied by principal Andréa Denise Dienstmann, was pleased with the opportunity to expose students to the practice beyond the classroom. "Being here at Feevale University gives even more meaning to what we're doing. The questions are multidisciplinary, and bringing them here is different, it is an important bridge in the pursuit of knowledge," comments Daniele. Classmates Paola Mattos, 14, and Maria Klauck, 15, expressed admiration for the University's facilities. For them, observing the lab's activities and learning about and using the equipment reinforces their learning. "It definitely helps us understand the matter," said Maria.