Question 1

Where is the programme implemented?

Accepted Answer

In Portugal. Priority is given to schools with a high relative number of underperforming children, schools in rural areas or in the islands, and to schools with TEIP (Educational Areas of Priority Intervention) status.

Question 2

What is the format of the workshop with the scientist?

Accepted Answer

Workshops are designed for a 4th Year class (10-25 students). For about 90 minutes, the scientist presents their work and leads a hands-on activity.

Before and after the workshop, students are asked to complete a short questionnaire, which supports the impact evaluation of the programme.

Question 3

I am a scientist. Am I eligible to participate?

Accepted Answer

Any scientist (living in Portugal or abroad) who has attended the 1st cycle of basic education (formerly called Primary School) in Portugal can participate in the programme. ‘Scientist’ is understood as someone with qualifications above a bachelor's degree (or in the process to obtain one) or someone whose work includes a research and development component in any area of ​​knowledge, including exact, natural, social, and human sciences. All career stages are welcome.

If you fit the eligibility criteria, you can apply by filling out this form.(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUSwNqO8zBoVAR6z-7-U-hHgDeu4m8X6nFJEfKHAOD0ZMstg/viewform)

Question 4

I am a teacher. Can I host the programme?

Accepted Answer

Any teacher in Portugal can contact us (mailto:info@nativescientists.org)showing interest in hosting the programme, especially those with 4th year classes, regardless of their interest in science or the location of the school where they teach. At the moment, we prioritise implementing the programme in public schools.

Question 5

What involvement is expected from me, as a scientist?

Accepted Answer

As a scientist, you are expected to:
 • prepare an interactive science workshop for a class of ~25 children of 9 to 10 years;
 • be able to spend one day implementing the workshop at your old primary school;
 • be available to support in the scheduling of the workshop and logistics of the programme implementation;
 • attend an online group training on Science Communication for Children, to help prepare and plan the workshop.

You might be invited to participate as a mentor or as a coordinator.

Mentors
Workshop scheduling, day planning, and impact data collection are done by Native Scientists, in accordance with the scientists’ availability and preferences.
Apart from the group training and the day of the workshops, mentors are expected to dedicate 6 hours, over the course of a month, to workshop preparation.

Coordinators
Coordinate the scheduling of the workshop and the logistics of the programme implementation.
Apart from the group training and the day of the workshops, coordinators are expected to dedicate 12 hours, over the course of a month, to the programme implementation.

Question 6

How can I apply to volunteer as a scientist?

Accepted Answer

If you fit the eligibility criteria, you can apply by filling out this form.(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUSwNqO8zBoVAR6z-7-U-hHgDeu4m8X6nFJEfKHAOD0ZMstg/viewform)

Question 7

If I register as a scientist, am I guaranteed to participate in the programme?

Accepted Answer

Registration is essential to check your eligibility, but does not guarantee participation in the programme. Despite meeting our scientist eligibility criteria, your participation depends on us meeting the conditions to be able to implement the programme in your hometown and/or school.  Every school year these conditions are evaluated and you are contacted in case we can implement the programme at your school and/or hometown.

Question 8

How are workshops scheduled?

Accepted Answer

We take into consideration the availability of the scientist and the teacher, selecting options of dates between November and April. To celebrate science, we may suggest special occasions, such as World Science Day for Peace and Development.

Question 9

What sort of expenses are reimbursed?

Accepted Answer

Expenses related to travel and materials for the workshops are reimbursed up to a certain amount.

Question 10

What scientific topics can be covered in the workshop?

Accepted Answer

Scientists have freedom in choosing a topic within their field of expertise. Scientists will be given suggestions and tips to structure the workshop to the target audience (children around 9 and 10 years old). They can also count on the support of our team to prepare your hands-on activities.

Question 11

What is the cost of the workshops?

Accepted Answer

There is no cost for the children and scientists that participate in the programme. Expenses related to programme implementation, training, impact evaluation, and dissemination, are covered through partnerships with municipalities, foundations, corporations, grant-making entities, and/or individuals.

Question 12

I have already participated in the programme once. Can I participate again?

Accepted Answer

Yes, scientists and schools can participate in the programme more than once.

Question 13

I completed primary school at a private school. Can I participate in the programme?

Accepted Answer

At the moment, the programme is being implemented in public schools. In the future, it may be possible to cover private schools.

You can register here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUSwNqO8zBoVAR6z-7-U-hHgDeu4m8X6nFJEfKHAOD0ZMstg/viewform)as an interested scientist and/or contact us (mailto:info@nativescientists.org)to discuss ways to collaborate or be involved in Native Scientists activities and initiatives.

Question 14

My school no longer exists. Can I still participate as a scientist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in these situations, the scientists typically return to their hometown and carry out workshops at the school that currently serves the same community.

Question 15

How can I help ensure that I hold a workshop at my primary school?

Accepted Answer

The implementation of the programme depends on several conditions. If you would like to help us in the process of ensuring all conditions are met, please contact us.(mailto:info@nativescientists.org)

Question 16

How can I support the programme?

Accepted Answer

You can always contribute to our cause. Partner with us,(https://www.nativescientists.org/partner-with-us) spread the word, donate,(https://www.nativescientists.org/support-us) or stay updated regarding our career opportunities.

Contact us (mailto:info@nativescientists.org)to discuss collaboration opportunities.

Same Home Town
Programme

We want to make Portugal the first country in the world where all 10-year old children have met a scientist from their hometown.

Concept and Format

Scientist-School Matching

Pre-Workshop Activity

Scientists Training

Workshop with Scientists

Post-Workshop Activity

Scientists' Booklet

Impact Evaluation

Award Cerimony

Where we are

We reached all Year 4 students in public schools
We reached part of Year 4 students in public schools

50%

of children

met a scientist for the first time in their lives through this programme

Data pertaining to the 2024/25 School Year

Testimonial

Child

"Best class ever! When are you coming back?"

Participate!

FAQs

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Same Home Town Programme