To celebrate National Scientists' Day, we asked primary school students what image they had of a scientist and their work and whether they thought they would be one when they grew up.
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To celebrate National Scientists' Day (16 May), we asked students from Externato Menino Jesus, in Faro, what image they have of a scientist, their work and if they thought about following a profession in research when they grow up.
Do they think scientists all wear lab coats, work in a laboratory and have their hair stand on end?
To give them a sense of reality, the activity included an awareness raising/information session with marine biologists Karina Orsolini - about how marine researchers are and what work they do - and Jorge Palma - about his work on the recovery of the seahorse population in Ria Formosa.
In the end, not all of the students show their intention to pursue a career in research, but they showed a broader notion of what the role of a scientist is.
Here are the videos made with the students:
What image do they have of a scientist?
After talking to Jorge and Karina, did they keep the same idea?
As for a future profession, is being a researcher in their plans?
