The third mission of La Aventura de la Mariona took place today at Tibidabo Amusement Park, with high participation from children and a day filled with science, play, and discovery. This activity offered workshops and interactive spaces dedicated to the respiratory system, bringing children closer to understanding how the apparatus that allows us to breathe works through hands-on experiences and playful activities.
The mission began with the workshop “How Does the Respiratory System Work?”, led by professionals from the Pulmonology Service at Hospital de Sant Pau and the Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR Sant Pau). Children were able to observe up close how air enters and exits the lungs, the movement of the diaphragm, and the role of the different structures involved in breathing. Through models, balloons, and anatomical replicas, they learned how gas exchange occurs and what happens inside the body when we breathe.
The workshop “When Breathing Gets a Little Harder,” guided by professionals in pediatric pulmonology and allergy, introduced children to situations in which breathing is affected. With visual explanations and direct experimentation, participants discovered the mechanisms of bronchospasm, airway inflammation, and why filling the lungs can sometimes be difficult. Movement-based activities and simple games helped the kids identify strategies to improve breathing in these situations.
In the afternoon, the workshop “Respiratory Infections: Viruses or Bacteria?”, organized with professionals from the CAP Doctor Carles Ribas and the Sant Pau University School of Nursing, introduced children to the world of microorganisms. They learned to distinguish between viruses and bacteria, observed magnified images of these organisms, and took part in a diagnostic game on the proper use of antibiotics and the prevention of respiratory infections.
Throughout the entire day, the space “A Journey Through the Respiratory System” offered an open pathway with 3D models and a question-and-answer game that reinforced workshop content in a fun and participatory way. One of the most anticipated features was the giant scientific-concept memory game, an emblematic activity of the project that tests children’s memory, agility, and teamwork. Kids played to match pairs related to scientific concepts, and, as in previous missions, they had the chance to win a Casio scientific calculator, a prize that always generates excitement and healthy competition.
With this mission, Mariona continues to establish herself as a leading educational initiative to bring biomedical research closer to children and spark scientific vocations. The next event will take place on February 15, 2026, with the Grand Final Celebration at Tibidabo Amusement Park, coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which will bring together workshops, activities, and researchers from Sant Pau.
More information is available on the website:
https://www.santpau.cat/es/web/public/mariona-investigadora
The “Mariona Investigadora” project is an educational and outreach initiative developed by IR Sant Pau. Mariona is a character representing an eight-year-old girl passionate about science and medicine, whose purpose is to inspire girls, boys, and young people to explore the world of scientific research. It is at this age—eight years old—when girls often begin to lose interest in science due to persisting stereotypes and the lack of role models, something this project aims to address.
Through a series of missions and challenges designed to take place at Tibidabo Amusement Park and the Barcelona Zoo, Mariona encourages young children to discover the secrets of the human body. They participate in scientific experiments, and learn about the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.
The project also highlights the role of women in science, showcasing real examples of female researchers who share their professional and personal experiences to promote gender equality in this field.
At IR Sant Pau, ongoing dialogue with society is actively promoted, aligned with its RRI plan and its objectives for scientific education and public engagement. As a CERCA center and as a Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit accredited by FECYT, the institute maintains a firm commitment to bringing research closer to the public. As the only research institute in Catalonia with a transversal gender research program, IR Sant Pau serves as a spokesperson for the latest scientific developments and stresses the importance of research with a gender perspective. It also emphasizes the role of women in research and the future of science.
