Initiation to research in Microbiology in the first year of secondary education through short experiences in the laboratory.

Résumé

Nowadays the teaching methodology of science subjects in secondary education is mainly based on the information memorization contained in textbooks, assuming the acquisition of scientific competences as the responsible work of teachers. In addition, the complexity of understanding that some scientific concepts supposed to students should be pointed out. In this context, the realization of short scientific experiences minimizes their difficulty and is of great support in the teaching-learning process. In this sense, microbiology is an area with little appearance in school teaching units, nevertheless, it is fundamental in daily life due to its importance in human health and the environment (López-Pérez, 2009).The present work aims to present a project carried out in the first school year of secondary education. A total of 28 students between the ages of 11 and 12 participated in two different laboratory sessions. The sessions involved important aspects related to microbiology, and specifically with significant concepts in the daily life of the participants. According to the results of the surveys carried out with the participants at the end of the sessions, a large percentage highlights the activity as necessary, entertaining and dynamic. Moreover, the importance of the great practical component and the desire to repeat the activity by expanding the information were also stand out.