Report of experience aiming to show the importance of the participation of nursing students in the development of a data collection tool to assess families with aged. In order to elaborate it students were first exposed to the theory this study is based on and then the tool was developed. A pilot was made to identify possible problems concerning clarity and objectiveness of questions. After tested, the tool was adapted and applied in families with elderly. Data collection showed appropriacy of such instrument to be used in further studies in the area of Strategy for Family Health. Besides, the research enhanced creativity, critical and scientific thinking of the students involved in it.
Education, nursing; Research groups; Nursing students; Aged