Campus and Community

The passion for science is ageless

July 19th 2019updated on July 23rd 2019 at 14:27

During two weeks, more than 120 young people, aged 10 to 16, had the opportunity to play the role of scientists and to meet experts from various fields.

“Today I am going to talk to you about a very special light” said professor Luís Oliveira e Silva, at the 3rd edition of the Summer Academy “Academia de Verão de Aprendizagem e Olimpíadas Científicas”. “I will show you the first laser used in Portugal”, said the Técnico professor while he explains its components parts“. “Will nuclear fusion cause unexpected consequences?“, asked a participant. “Yes, but this is the most exciting part of science”, said the professor.

The Summer Academy “Academia de Verão de Aprendizagem e Olimpíadas Científicas” aims to promote an active and guided learning among young people. The event started as a pilot experience developed by TreeTree2 group. “We have doubled the number of participants compared to last year’s edition, and we almost quadrupled the number of participants compared to 2017. In total, 120 students aged from 10 to 16 participated in this year’s edition, plus a group of 80 Técnico students who guided the student groups”, says engineer João Rico, member of TreeTree2 group.

Zita Martins, professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Ana Mourão, professor at the Department of Physics, José Natário, professor at the Department of Mathematics, Arlindo Oliveira, professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Miguel Teixeira, professor at the Department of Bioengineering, were some guest speakers of this year’s edition. “We always try to address a vast number of areas of science. We invited experts on Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science”, says engineer João Rico. “The truth is that the Summer Academy only lasts two weeks so we have time constraints. Nevertheless, we make an effort to include all the basic sciences in the programme. The high level of students attendance and the guest speakers feedback show us that we are on the right track”, he adds.

“According to parents and teachers feedback, this Summer Academy has had a very positive impact on students, not only in their academic performance, but also at social and emotional level”, says João Rico.