Exploring the Factors Shaping Portuguese Students’ Interest in Palaeontology

Abstract In Portuguese society, there remains a limited understanding of the factors shaping young people’s educational experiences, attitudes, and aspirations in the Earth Sciences, particularly in Palaeontology. This study is part of a broader project involving data collected in Portugal and Ireland that aims to explore factors influencing students’ interest in Palaeontology during the 3rd cycle of Basic Education, encompassing students aged between 12 and 15, who have completed the 2nd Cycle. The study focuses on three areas denominated for this study as “Life Spheres”: School, Home, and Broader Society. The investigation employed a robust system of paper surveys to collect data, which was then meticulously analysed using descriptive and bivariate statistical methods. The results identified that admiration for the teacher and the use of dynamic approaches in classes influence students´ interest in Natural Sciences subjects. Additionally, the paleontological activities in which students engaged mostly involved cinematic and documentary representations. Information-seeking resources about fossils were predominantly books and online platforms such as Google. Moreover, many perceive a career in Palaeontology as interesting, complex, and tedious. These findings, with their implications for targeted public engagement initiatives, have the potential to significantly enhance their effectiveness among Portuguese students.