How a Group of Nicaraguan Children Is "Doing Science"

Following in the Footsteps of the Naturalist Thomas Belt

In the heart of Nicaragua, La Libertad, Chontales, a group of 15 children and teenagers is not only learning about nature, but actively doing science. The Little Naturalists Program of the School of Naturalism transformed the classroom into a living green space, where every insect and every plant became a key piece of research. Awakening curiosity and fostering interest in the natural environment through hands-on exploration.

From the Classroom to the Field

The training activities were designed to integrate knowledge and action. The children immersed themselves in an active learning model, exploring different green areas to search for organisms, photograph animals, identify species, and report their findings on iNaturalist. Also as part of the program, sessions were held with documentaries and audiovisual presentations by experts, addressing ecological concepts such as mimicry, ecological relationships, classification, and taxonomy.

This approach not only seeks to develop skills such as observation, analysis, and problem-solving, but also to foster a deep connection with nature.

Results that Transcend the Classroom

The children's enthusiasm and participation were immediate. They demonstrated excellent teamwork, sharing observations and learning from one another. They took on leadership roles and explored their environment with a strong spirit of discovery.

But the most tangible impact lies in the figures the group contributed to science.

The participants have recorded a total of 1,979 living organisms. Using the iNaturalist platform and with the support of expert scientists, 681 different species have been identified in the La Libertad region.

The data from these reports, which include insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals, continues to grow even after the course ended. In this way, these "Little Naturalists" not only gained knowledge but also became generators of scientific data about the biodiversity of their area.

The young naturalists strengthened their observation skills and developed a deep emotional connection with the environment. The program not only taught them about nature; it sparked a lasting scientific interest and an explicit desire to protect the natural world around them—the same environment that, almost 150 years ago, attracted the attention of one of the greatest naturalists of the 19th century, Thomas Belt.