Algae everywhere: guiding elements for teaching Biology

• Grant number: 25/02429-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany
• Principal Investigator: Priscila Barreto de Jesus
• Grantee: Priscila Barreto de Jesus
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Santo André
• Associated researchers: Goia de Mattos Lyra ; João Rodrigo Santos da Silva ; ROBERTA SMANIA MARQUES
• Associated research grant: 22/03234-1 - Evolution and diversification of Phaeophyceae: exploring genomic data to understand the taxonomy, phylogeny and biogeography of brown algae, AP.PNGP.PI
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/15733-0 - Algae in the context of society: Construction of an investigative proposal through virtual reality, BP.IC; 25/15728-7 - Algae in the Tree of Life: Building Teaching Materials for Teaching and Learning About Evolution and Phylogenetic Trees, BP.IC; 25/15282-9 - Algae in the context of society: Construction of a research proposal, BP.IC; 25/14858-4 - Algae and Endosymbiosis: Development of an educational game to understand the origin of eukaryotes from prokaryotes, BP.IC

Abstract

Algae is an artificial name that encompasses organisms that, while phylogenetically distant, share simple structures and the ability to perform photosynthesis. These organisms are crucial for understanding the Tree of Life because they exist in nearly all its branches. They also play a significant role in the endosymbiotic events that led to the formation of chloroplasts, essential organelles for creating Earth's atmosphere and supporting the development of life. Algae are of great ecological and economic importance and are under serious threat due to ongoing climate change. However, there is a lack of knowledge about algae in Basic Education, leading to a society that does not appreciate the importance of conserving this biodiversity and the environment in which it thrives. This proposal aims to fill this gap by producing educational materials and strategies focused on algae and its significance, in a contextualized way for high school students. Through the lens of Critical Environmental Education, we will identify problem situations related to water bodies in the local school area, encouraging students to engage in investigations that connect the study of algae to relevant social and political issues in their community. Additionally, we will incorporate recreational strategies, such as games and virtual reality experiences, to stimulate interest in the topic. This approach will help to develop a critical view of the evolution and origin of living beings. The educational initiatives will be designed and implemented by a team of experts, forming an Environmental Education League. This league will engage university students in continuous reflection, the creation of teaching materials, and the dissemination of scientific content within the public education system. (AU)