New programme takes scientists back to their primary school in Portugal
In the International Day of Literacy, Native Scientist expands its portfolio of programmes with a new science enrichment programme that tackles inequalities in access to science education, increases science literacy and empower students to pursue higher education.
The programme is called “@ Cientista Regressa à Escola” (www.cientistaregressaescola.pt), which translates to “Scientists Return to School”. Founded by Joana Bordalo, Joana Moscoso and Matilde Gonçalves, the programme was conceived to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the educational sector in Portugal by bringing together scientists and pupils from the same hometown.
The programme is based on a concept of circular education, allowing the return of science students and professionals to their elementary school to deliver an unique and meaningful science workshop for Year 4 (9-year-olds) students.
“The goal is to deliver a national programme that takes scientists back to their their primary school, promoting positive attitudes towards science and serving as role models for the students”, says Joana Moscoso, director of Native Scientist.
Joana Bordalo, explains that “to participate in the programme, a scientist should have attended primary school in Portugal and do/have done research on any scientific area”.
“After registering on the website, paired scientists will receive support to develop the scientific workshops for students. Scientists will then visit their hometown for one day and deliver the workshop for two classes of their primary school”, says Matilde Gonçalves.
Launched in the International Literacy Day, the programme aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly.
For more information please visit the the programme's website (in Portuguese) and follow the news on social media:
About Native Scientist
Native Scientist is an award-winning European-wide non-profit organisation that promotes cultural diversity in science, education and society. Native Scientist provides science and language workshops, science communication training, and bespoke projects for various institutions, including schools, universities and embassies. The work developed connects pupils with scientists to foster science and language literacy through role modelling and science and language integrated learning. Founded in 2013, their work reaches over 1,200 pupils a year and they count with a network of over 1,000 international scientists.
