Within the framework of the partnership with the Rede Bibliotecas Escolares (in english: School Libraries Network), CICS.NOVA participated in the 7th edition of the Cientificamente Provável program (in english: Scientifically Probable program), an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation aimed at enriching the educational pathways of young students by providing them with contact with researchers and academic and scientific research practices.

On April 30th, 2025, sessions were conducted by the research team of the MOPLAND project, involving 86 students from the 2nd and 4th grades of Primary Education at Leal da Câmara School Group, Sintra. These sessions aimed to spark the students’ interest in Geography and Sociology by sharing the academic, scientific, and professional journeys of the MOPLAND researchers and conducting spatial analysis and visualization activities, promoting the development of spatial cognition in primary education.

By integrating these activities within its research framework, MOPLAND seeks to raise awareness among young students about the importance of Territorial Planning and Land Management as strategic resources, as well as to foster critical thinking about the role they can play, from an early age, in building more sustainable, equitable, and shared futures.

Special thanks to Librarian Cecília Guerra, the promoter of the initiative at Leal da Câmara School Group (Rio de Mouro, Sintra), as well as to the classroom teachers whose active and generous involvement made this experience particularly impactful.


Program Schedule:

10:00 – Presentation – The Contribution of Social Sciences
Sharing the academic, scientific, and professional paths of the MOPLAND research team:

• Dr. Raquel Faria de Deus, Geographer, Principal Investigator of the MOPLAND project, CICS.NOVA, NOVA FCSH/UNL.
• Carolina Coelho, Geographer, Research Fellow of the MOPLAND project, CICS.NOVA, NOVA FCSH/UNL.
• Ricardo Teixeira, Social Sciences and minor in Sociology, Research Fellow of the MOPLAND project, CICS.NOVA, NOVA FCSH/UNL.

10:15 – Presentation of the MOPLAND Project
Explanation of what spatial modelling is and its importance in predicting the future of territories. Presentation of a WebGIS application and its relevance for decision-making support. Interactive visualization of Land Use and Land Cover changes over time in the Portuguese context.

10:45 – Participatory Sessions with Students:

• Understanding the relativity of territorial representation through mental maps: identifying points of interest based on a 2D map of Sintra using the provided legend.
• “Territórioscópio” Activity: A participatory observation tool that transforms urban observation into a creative discovery experience for children and youth.

11:30 – Closing Session