Abstract:

Motivation in students is critical to them obtaining a scientific interest. In this sense, professional research activity could provide a valuable vehicle in the awakening of scientific interest in students. On the other hand, environmental awareness is one of the most critical issues to work with new generations. A better knowledge of environmental sciences is critical in the youth's conception and responsible behavior toward the environment.
This work tries to link the two main topics described above. The objective of the initiative here presented is to bring atmospheric research closer to students and lead to their climate consciousness. This objective is achieved with scientific talks in public high school Centers in Spain. Data provided by the local Meteorological Agency (Meteogalicia) was obtained in several weather stations throughout Ourense (province of Northwestern Iberian Peninsula and target of the initiative) and statistical analysis was performed. The results obtained were used in the design of the talks. These talks introduce real research results of local climate to visualize the climate change in their area and encourage reflection on their impact.

Keywords:

Scientific research, environmental awareness, science motivation.