Researcher returns to primary school to teach students about viruses
Oeiras, 21st March 2025
On March 14th, Carolina Buga, PhD student from the Protein Modelling Laboratory at ITQB NOVA, returned to her former primary school to inspire 50 young students.
What is science? How is it done? The students from EB1 Mem Martins nº2 and EB1 Manique began the sessions by sharing their own ideas. But what better way to understand how science works than to experience it firsthand? That is exactly what Carolina Buga had in mind. To start, the students took on a challenge: working together, as scientists do, to assemble a puzzle. As they pieced it together in teams, an image of a virus emerged, sparking curiosity and discussion. They then brought their own viruses “to life,” crafting models out of playdough while they learned about viral components.
By the end of the activities, the students walked away with a new perspective: anyone can be a scientist, and team work is key. "Returning to school was an opportunity to spark scientific curiosity in children, demonstrate the importance of research, and feel their contagious excitement as they learned new things about the world of viruses. It was an inspiring moment that reinforced the importance of bringing science beyond the laboratories!", said Carolina Buga. Her visit was part of the "Cientista regressa à escola" programme, promoted by Native Scientists.
This initiative builds bridges between children and scientists who revisit their old primary schools to develop science activities. The goal is to expand children's horizons, promote scientific literacy and higher education, and challenge stereotypes about science and scientists.
