The power of water. How hands-on activities can foster learning and communication of science

Abstract

Scientia.com.pt is a science communication and outreach project born at the Universidade do Minho, in Braga, Portugal. One of its initiatives during 2016 was the celebration of the World Water Day by organizing an exhibition that engaged undergraduate students in an active hands-on but also learning activity focused on the value and the importance of water. Students worked in groups and created about 30 artworks that were placed in several different locals at the University Campus. In the present communication, we will present and evaluate this Science.com.pt initiative, in particular regarding aspects related with the idea/ concept, the involved actors as well as the exhibition itself and its first impacts. Different aspects regarding the informal and active learning methods used, the science communication processes, and the Scientia.com.pt outcomes will also be considered.