Abstract:

This work is framed within Research and Excellence Bach (REB) (the last two years in secondary school). This program is for those students who want to study in depth the different research methods and introduce in science. In this context, professors in the University collaborate in some of the activities performed by the students that study this REB program.

The main aim of this paper is to present and discuss the “with hands in science” experiences in the two REB years in order to introduce students into Food Science and Technology.

The proposed activities and projects by the group of professors Food, technology and health from Burgos University as well as the students’ feedbacks for three academic years are discussed in the paper. Students of the first REB year participated in a workshop that grouped three different activities through which the students carried out simple science experiments. Moreover, students in the second REB year worked on a research project, which implied experimental laboratory work and elaboration of a report and presentation of results.

According to the results obtained, the planned activities were effective in order to encourage and introduce the students in the first REB year. The students who participated in the second REB year in a research project were able to develop integrate theoretical and practical contents and cognitive skills. Moreover, some of students who participated in the proposed activities and projects decided to study the degree of Food Science and Technology at Burgos University. Therefore, these “with hands in science” experiences could be deemed a useful tool to attract new students to the degree and awaken their interest for the food science and technology research.

Keywords:

Research and Excellence Bach, Food Science and Technology, Secondary School.