Page 51 - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA

INOVACIJE I IZAZOVI U OBRAZOVANJU I SESTRINSKOJ SKRBI - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA

Microworld in the Digital World

As part of the Biosafety and Bioprotection project that we implemented in our school, numerous
activities and workshops were realized. Through research-oriented classes, students are
introduced to the importance of a professional and scientific approach in disease prevention,
dangerous disease agents and how to critically evaluate information in the media public space,
in accordance with their age.
In order to motivate students to research, we designed a motivational workshop called Do
viruses and bacteria know mathematics?
Using an easy-to-understand model of linear and exponential spread of disease agents, they
investigated the speed of spread of infection and displayed it graphically using the Canva tool,
and compared their results using the Lino tool.
After the obtained results, the students, through a mini-research project called Big for Small,
were supposed to investigate and record the causes of some diseases, symptoms and treatment
using the digital tool Padlet. 7th and 8th grade students prepared and led activities for 3rd grade
students. They made disinfectants from alcohol and essential oils, monitored the growth of
bacteria on nutrient media, examined yeast fungi and green mold under a microscope. During
the activity, the 3rd grade students observed and noted changes, drew conclusions and based on
that created a book in the digital tool Book Creator.
Since some viruses contain a DNA molecule, the activity that brought the students closer to
what is invisible to the eye is the practical work of isolating DNA from a living organism and
making a model of DNA in the form of a double helix. Using the Avogardo digital tool and the
MolView web application, students created three-dimensional models of DNA and alcohol
molecules and thus visualized these chemical compounds.
The students had the opportunity to see how "real" scientists do research, they visited the
Institute for Medical Research in Zagreb and the Teaching Institute for Public Health "Andrija
Štampar", which donated sterile equipment for research work.
Two teams of students conducted mini research projects and presented them at the Biosafety
and Bioprotection project review, presenting the research results through a scientific poster in
the Canva tool.
Through cooperative research learning, students discover, learn and understand complex
concepts more easily if they cooperate with each other, while also learning from each other,
developing their social skills and self-confidence. The contribution of original learning outside
of school by visiting external institutions and promoting learning in a real life environment
where it motivates students towards possible future occupations and broadens their professional
horizons. They are encouraged to think scientifically, write in a scientific style and are
introduced to the way of thinking of real scientists.

Key words: collaborative learning, lifelong active learning, microorganisms, digital tools

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