Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Protista Kingdom: Protozoa and Algae

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Objectives stage is crucial to establish a clear and directed focus for the lesson. By outlining the main objectives, the teacher guides both their own preparation and that of the students, ensuring that everyone is aligned on what is expected to be achieved. Clearly stating the goals from the beginning helps maximize the efficiency of classroom time, ensuring that all efforts are focused on understanding and applying the key concepts of the Protista Kingdom.

Main Objectives:

1. Explore and deepen students' knowledge about the Protista Kingdom, focusing on protozoa and algae, their characteristics, diversity, and ecological importance.

2. Identify and understand the main diseases caused by protozoa and the relationship of these organisms with humans and the environment.

Side Objectives:

1. Encourage students' critical analysis skills by comparing different groups of protozoa and algae.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The Introduction stage serves to engage students and review the concepts of the Protista Kingdom in a practical and contextualized way. The proposed problem situations encourage students to apply their prior knowledge critically and think about theory-based solutions. Contextualization aims to connect content with real situations and curiosities, increasing interest and perceived relevance of the topic. This initial approach aims to set the stage for the practical activities that will follow, consolidating understanding and stimulating students' curiosity.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine a group of explorers discovering a new tropical island and collecting water samples from different locations. After analysis in the laboratory, unicellular organisms are found in some samples. How would you classify these organisms as protozoa or algae, and why?

2. During a trip to the Brazilian countryside, an amateur biologist finds an apparently clean lake, but discovers that people who drink its water often suffer from diseases like malaria. What type of protozoan could be responsible for this infection and what would be its life cycle?

Contextualization

Protozoa and algae, although often small and less visible, play fundamental roles in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, such as nutrient recycling and support for the food chain. Furthermore, many human diseases, like malaria and giardiasis, are caused by protozoa, highlighting the importance of studying these organisms. Curiosities such as the symbiotic relationship between algae and corals, which results in coral reefs, also emphasize the relevance and interconnectedness of these beings in the natural world.

Development

Duration: (75 - 80 minutes)

The Development stage is designed to allow students to apply and deepen their knowledge about protozoa and algae in a practical and interactive manner. Through playful and contextualized activities, students will explore the diversity and impact of these organisms, consolidating their learning through observation, experimentation, and group discussion. This approach not only facilitates information retention but also develops teamwork and critical thinking skills.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Protozoa and Algae Hunters

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Identify and characterize protozoa and algae in different aquatic environments, applying microscopic observation and research techniques.

- Description: Students will be divided into groups of up to 5 people, and each group will receive samples from different types of aquatic habitats (rivers, lakes, industrial effluents). They will use microscopes to observe and identify different species of protozoa and algae present in the samples, noting their morphological and behavioral characteristics.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Distribute the samples and equipment (microscopes, slides, cover slips, tweezers, etc.) to each group.

• Guide students on the correct use of equipment and microscope observation techniques.

• Each group should prepare smears from the samples and observe them under the microscope, identifying and drawing the protozoa and algae found.

• Students should record the observed characteristics and try to identify the species using provided reference material.

• Each group prepares a brief presentation to share their findings with the class, discussing the ecological importance of the organisms found and potential relationships with human health.

Activity 2 - The Malaria Cycle

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand the life cycle of Plasmodium and its role in malaria transmission, as well as discuss disease control measures.

- Description: In this activity, students will use a three-dimensional model to simulate the life cycle of Plasmodium, the protozoan that causes malaria. They will assemble the model, discuss each stage of the life cycle, and relate it to the symptoms of the disease.

- Instructions:

• Divide the students into groups of up to 5 and distribute the components of the three-dimensional model of the Plasmodium life cycle.

• Guide students on how to assemble the model, starting with the sporozoite stage in the mosquito.

• Each group discusses and notes the characteristics of each stage of the life cycle and how it relates to the disease.

• Students present the complete life cycle of Plasmodium to the class, explaining each stage and the impacts on human health.

• Conduct a class discussion on malaria control measures and the importance of understanding the life cycle for developing effective treatments.

Activity 3 - Algae to the Rescue!

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Apply knowledge of ecology and microbiology to develop and test a bioremediation system using algae.

- Description: Students, in groups, will take on the role of scientists who need to develop a system to remove toxins from a contaminated lake that is harming public health. They will use algae for bioremediation, applying concepts of ecology and microbiology.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of up to 5 and present the scenario of a polluted lake that needs to be cleaned.

• Provide students with information about types of algae capable of absorbing toxins.

• Groups should plan an experiment using algae to clean the lake, including steps for collection, preparation, and application of algae in the environment.

• Students conduct the experiment in a small container, simulating lake conditions.

• Each group presents the results of their experiment, discussing the effectiveness of bioremediation with algae and proposing possible large-scale applications.

• Conclude with a discussion on the importance of bioremediation in environmental conservation.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this feedback stage is to consolidate students' learning, allowing them to articulate the knowledge acquired collectively and reflect on the practical applicability of the studied concepts. Through group discussion, students have the opportunity to verbalize what they learned, hear different perspectives, and consolidate their understanding. This stage also serves to evaluate the effectiveness of practical activities in achieving the learning objectives and identify areas that may require further exploration or clarification.

Group Discussion

At the end of the practical activities, gather all students in a large circle for a group discussion. Start the discussion with a brief introduction, highlighting the importance of practical work in understanding the topics of protozoa and algae. Encourage each group to share their findings, challenges faced, and proposed solutions. Use targeted questions to ensure that all aspects of the experiments are addressed and that students can reflect on what they learned and how it applies in the real world.

Key Questions

1. What were the main difficulties encountered during the observation of protozoa and algae under the microscope, and how did you overcome them?

2. How do the observed characteristics of protozoa and algae help understand their ecological importance and/or their role in human diseases?

3. How can the results of the experiments conducted be applied to real situations in environmental conservation or public health?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Conclusion stage aims to consolidate learning, ensuring that students have a clear and integrated understanding of the theme. Summarizing key points helps in information retention, while connecting theory and practice and discussing real-world applications reinforces the importance of the acquired knowledge. This stage also serves to evaluate the achievement of the lesson objectives and prepare students for possible extensions of the topic in future lessons or individual studies.

Summary

In this final stage of the lesson, the teacher should summarize and recap the main points discussed about protozoa and algae, reinforcing their characteristics, diversity, and ecological and disease importance. The types of protozoa discussed and their respective diseases, such as malaria and giardiasis, should also be reviewed, as well as highlighting the ecological functions of algae in different environments.

Theory Connection

It is essential for the teacher to connect the practical activities conducted with the theory learned previously, demonstrating how direct observation and experimentation help solidify theoretical understanding. Explain how the classification and identification of organisms in the laboratory relate to ecology and human health, providing a practical view of what has been studied theoretically.

Closing

Finally, it is important to emphasize the relevance of studying protozoa and algae for daily life. Briefly discuss how knowledge of these organisms can aid in environmental conservation and improving public health, highlighting the applicability of learned concepts in real situations and current issues.