Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Monera Kingdom: Bacteria

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to establish a solid foundation of understanding about bacteria and the diseases they cause. This is essential for developing practical skills that can be applied in real contexts, such as in healthcare, biotechnology, and other industries. By connecting theoretical content with practical activities and the job market, students are encouraged to see the relevance of what they are learning and to apply this knowledge meaningfully.

Main Objectives

1. Understand what bacteria are and their main characteristics.

2. Recognize and describe the main diseases caused by bacteria in the human body.

Side Objectives

1. Relate the knowledge gained to practical situations in everyday life and the job market.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to establish a solid foundation of understanding about bacteria and the diseases they cause. This is essential for developing practical skills that can be applied in real contexts, such as in healthcare, biotechnology, and other industries. By connecting theoretical content with practical activities and the job market, students are encouraged to see the relevance of what they are learning and to apply this knowledge meaningfully.

Contextualization

Bacteria are microscopic organisms that play a crucial role in various aspects of life on Earth. They are found in soil, water, air, and even inside the human body. Some bacteria are essential for processes such as the decomposition of organic matter and the production of fermented foods, while others can cause severe diseases. Understanding the characteristics and impacts of bacteria is fundamental for fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Curiosities and Market Connection

 Curiosities: Did you know that bacteria were the first living beings to inhabit Earth? They have existed for about 3.5 billion years! Furthermore, only 1% of bacteria are harmful to humans; the vast majority are beneficial or harmless.  Market Connection: In the field of biotechnology, bacteria are used to produce medications, such as insulin, and in industrial processes like bioremediation, which uses microorganisms to clean polluted areas. In medicine, knowledge about bacteria is essential for the development of antibiotics and vaccines, and is crucial for controlling hospital infections.

Initial Activity

 Initial Activity: Show a short video (3-4 minutes) about the discovery of bacteria and their importance in natural processes and industry. After the video, ask a provoking question to the students: 'How would life on Earth be different without bacteria?'. Encourage a brief group discussion.

Development

Duration: (40 - 45 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with a practical and interactive experience that solidifies their theoretical understanding of bacteria, their characteristics, and their importance. By engaging students in activities of cultivating and observing bacteria, this promotes the application of knowledge in real situations, such as in the fields of health and biotechnology, while encouraging critical reflection on the benefits and challenges associated with bacteria.

Covered Topics

1. General characteristics of bacteria (morphology, structure, reproduction)
2. Ecological and economic importance of bacteria
3. Main bacterial diseases that affect humans
4. Use of bacteria in biotechnology and medicine

Reflections on the Theme

Encourage students to reflect on how life would be different without bacteria, considering both positive and negative aspects. Guide a discussion about the balance between the benefits and harms of bacteria, highlighting how understanding this balance is essential for various fields in the job market, such as medicine and biotechnology.

Mini Challenge

Cultivation of Bacteria and Observation

Students will cultivate bacteria on Petri dishes and observe their growth over time. This practical activity will help to understand the necessary conditions for bacterial growth and the importance of hygiene to prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.

Instructions

1. Divide the students into small groups and provide each group with a Petri dish containing culture medium (nutrient agar).
2. Ask the students to collect samples from different surfaces (such as tables, doorknobs, cell phones) using sterilized swabs.
3. Instruct them to rub the swabs on the chosen surfaces and then streak the swabs across the surface of the agar in the Petri dishes.
4. Seal the Petri dishes with adhesive tape and label them with the sample origin and date.
5. Place the dishes in an incubator or in a warm, dark place for 24-48 hours.
6. After the incubation period, distribute magnifying glasses or microscopes for the students to observe the growth of the bacterial colonies.
7. Ask the groups to record their observations and discuss the results, focusing on the differences between the samples and the conditions that may have influenced bacterial growth.

Objective: To practically demonstrate how bacteria grow in different environments and the importance of hygiene in preventing bacterial diseases.

Duration: (30 - 40 minutes)

Evaluation Exercises

1. List three main characteristics of bacteria.
2. Describe two diseases caused by bacteria and the associated symptoms.
3. Explain how bacteria are used in the production of medications.
4. Discuss the importance of bacteria in the nutrient cycle in nature.

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' understanding of the content addressed, reinforcing the importance of bacteria in both the natural context and the job market. The conclusion aims to ensure that students leave the class with a clear and practical understanding of the topic, while also encouraging critical reflection on the benefits and challenges presented by bacteria.

Discussion

 Discussion: Promote a discussion with the students about the topics covered during the class. Encourage them to reflect on bacteria, their characteristics, and the diseases they cause. Ask what they found most surprising or relevant. Discuss how theory was applied in practice during the mini challenge of culturing bacteria, and how this can be relevant in job market contexts, such as health and biotechnology. Encourage students to share their observations and conclusions from the practical exercise and to discuss the importance of hygiene in preventing bacterial diseases.

Summary

 Summary: Recap the main content presented in the class: the characteristics of bacteria, their ecological and economic importance, the diseases they can cause, and their uses in biotechnology and medicine. Reinforce the connection between theory and practice carried out during the mini challenge of culturing bacteria.

Closing

 Closing: Conclude the class by highlighting the importance of knowledge about bacteria in everyday life, especially in the prevention of diseases and application in various areas of the job market. Emphasize that, despite some bacteria being pathogenic, most are beneficial and essential for natural and industrial processes. Thank the students for their participation and encourage them to continue exploring the fascinating world of microorganisms.