Atividades laboratoriais de microbiologia do solo: uma proposta para o ensino de biologia no nível médio

Abstract

Although soil microorganisms play a fundamental role in terrestrial ecosystems, their importance is still little known by the average citizen. The majority of Biology textbooks used in senior high school does not address the issue, which constitutes gross negligence because it leads students to associate micro-organisms mainly to disease-causing organisms. The aim of this study is to provide methodological subsidies to the teaching of Soil Microbiology in senior high school. Thus, in the Laboratory of Microbiology and Soil Biological Processes at the University of Lavras, in the state of Minas Gerais, mini courses were conducted to senior high school students from public and private schools of the city. Hence, during the lectures and laboratories activities, an investigative oriented methodology was adopted. While activities were being conducted, students showed that they acquired knowledge and demonstrated greater awareness of the importance of micro-organisms in the soil, proving that the methodology was effective for the learning process.