Teaching microalgas through teaching models: making the microscopic world visible and meaningful

Abstract

This work aimed to understand the relevance of didactic models for teaching microalgae in Science classes at a state school in the municipality of Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo. For that, didactic models were made and applied, using biscuit dough, styrofoam and fabric paint, of the five main microalgae divisions: Cyanophyta, Euglenophyta, Dinophyta, Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta. Questionnaires were delivered, before and after the activities were carried out, to collect data on the students' knowledge about the theme addressed. In addition to theoretical classes using didactic models, a practical class was also given in a laboratory at the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo - Campus Santa Teresa, where students could observe the microalgae. We evidenced great potential in the use of didactic models for learning microalgae, highlighting that they made possible the physical contact of the students with the represented structures. In addition, it highlights the importance of conducting practical classes to complement and make the learning of microalgae content more meaningful.