Within the framework of the citizen science project “DxHub AquaDetect – Diagnosing Waterborne Pathogens: Young Scientists in Action”, an activity took place on 21 and 22 January 2026, involving the collection and analysis of water samples for the detection of Legionella at SCPA. The aim was to engage the participants in this project, 60 students from two 7th-grade classes and four 12th-grade students from the Clube de Ciência Viva da Escola, in the different stages of the process: sample collection, water analysis using a point-of-care device for the detection of Legionella, currently being developed by STAB VIDA, and interpretation of the results obtained.
The sampling process was guided by researchers from STAB VIDA, together with a technician from SIMAS (entity responsible for monitoring water quality in the municipality of Oeiras). To ensure the validation of the results, half of the collected samples were analysed in SIMAS laboratories, allowing confirmation and comparison with the results obtained using the device under testing. The activity also received the support of the school’s Clube de Ciência Viva students, who acted as mentors to the younger participants, assisting in the coordination of tasks and in explaining the results.
Samples were collected from points within the school considered to present a higher risk, namely showers, condensers and taps. To complement the practical experience and provide insight into routine laboratory procedures, technical visits were also organised to the SIMAS laboratory facilities: one in early December 2025, aimed at the four club students as an introduction to laboratory methods, and two on the afternoons of 21 and 22 January 2026, intended for the 7th-grade students who participated in the sampling activities on those days.
In summary, this activity integrated hands-on learning, peer mentoring between different school levels and collaboration with external institutions, promoting scientific literacy within the framework of the One Health concept and strengthening the connection between the school, the scientific community and the municipality.