Avaliando métodos de assepsia e desinfecção por meio de uma atividade experimental e investigativa no ensino de microbiologia

Abstract

Teaching topics related to Health has been a challenge for Schools in terms of the constructivist approach. Experimentation is an excellent teaching-learning methodology, as it brings together prior knowledge, dialogue, problematization and relationships with everyday life. These are essential elements for the development of investigative practices, which place the student as the protagonist and builder of their knowledge through observations, discussions, explanations and reports. Microbiology and the control of microorganisms are closely related to the topic of Health. However, this content is considered abstract due to the difficulty of observing and carrying out practical activities in the teaching environment. Thus, this work aims to develop and apply research methods to expand students' knowledge related to microbiology. A didactic sequence was developed to promote the indirect visualization of the microorganisms present on hands, analysis of the effectiveness of antiseptic and disinfectant products, the importance of the microbiota for health promotion and disease prevention through research methods. This approach was carried out with high school students at a public school in the state network. The didactic sequence included stages of collecting microbiota samples from the hands of collaborating students, analysis and discussion of the results. The result of this sequence promoted the student's approximation to a typical situation in their daily lives. Furthermore, it increased interest and motivation for the development of learning, since some of the misconceptions were demystified by scientific concepts. There was also scientific literacy assistance for terms related to hygiene found in everyday chemicals. The proposal demonstrated that the use of experimental practices with an investigative bias contributes to the learning of microbiological procedures, providing information through good habits linked to health and its insertion within the Biology content.