Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Virus

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide a clear and structured view of the learning objectives about viruses, which are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the topic. This stage is crucial to guide students on what will be expected of them, emphasizing the development of practical skills that are directly applicable to the job market, such as laboratory diagnosis and prevention of viral diseases.

Main Objectives

1. Understand what viruses are and their main characteristics.

2. Recognize and describe the main characteristics of viral diseases.

Side Objectives

Introduction

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to introduce students to the topic of viruses in an engaging and real-world connected manner, sparking their curiosity and interest. This sets the stage for a deeper and more practical exploration of the topic, linking it to applications in the job market and encouraging active participation from students right from the start of the lesson.

Contextualization

Viruses are infectious agents that affect all living beings, including plants, animals, and humans. They are responsible for a range of diseases, from the common cold to more serious illnesses like COVID-19. Understanding how viruses function is essential not only for the prevention and treatment of diseases but also for the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies. The biology of viruses is a fascinating field that combines elements of genetics, biochemistry, and immunology.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Did you know that viruses are so small that they can only be seen with an electron microscope? Moreover, research in virology has a significant impact on the job market, especially in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Professionals who understand the biology of viruses can work in the development of vaccines, antiviral medications, and even in creating technologies to detect and monitor the presence of viruses in different environments.

Initial Activity

Initial Activity: To spark students' interest, show a short video (3-5 minutes) that displays the structure of a virus and how it infects a host cell. After the video, pose a thought-provoking question: 'How do you think scientists develop effective vaccines against these viruses?'

Development

Duration: 55 to 65 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to deepen students' knowledge about viruses through practical and interactive activities. By addressing key topics and proposing reflections, the teacher encourages critical thinking and the application of learned concepts. The mini challenge and fixation exercises allow students to consolidate acquired knowledge, developing practical and analytical skills that are essential both for academic study and the job market.

Covered Topics

1. Definition and Structure of Viruses
2. Life Cycle of Viruses
3. Main Viral Diseases and their Symptoms
4. Methods of Prevention and Treatment
5. Impact of Viruses on Public Health and the Economy

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on the importance of studying viruses in today's society. Encourage them to consider how knowledge about viruses can influence public health, the economy, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Inspire them to think about the role of scientists in developing vaccines and antiviral treatments, and how these discoveries can save lives and improve quality of life globally.

Mini Challenge

Construction of a Virus Model

Students will build a three-dimensional model of a virus using simple materials like Styrofoam, toothpicks, colored paper, and glue. This hands-on activity will help solidify the knowledge about the structure of viruses and better understand their morphology.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3 to 4 students.
2. Distribute the necessary materials to each group.
3. Instruct students to research the structure of a specific virus online or in textbooks.
4. Ask students to draw a sketch of the chosen virus before starting the construction of the three-dimensional model.
5. Guide them to use Styrofoam to represent the capsid and genetic material, and the toothpicks and colored paper to create surface proteins.
6. Circulating the room, provide support and clarify doubts during the construction of the models.
7. Once completed, each group should present their model to the class, explaining the parts and functions of the represented virus.

Objective: The objective of this activity is to consolidate students' understanding of the structure of viruses, promoting active and collaborative learning. Additionally, building the model facilitates visualization and memorization of viral components.

Duration: 30 to 40 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. List the main characteristics of viruses.
2. Explain the life cycle of a virus from infection to the release of new viruses.
3. Describe three common viral diseases and their main symptoms.
4. What are the main prevention methods against viral diseases?
5. Discuss the economic impact of a viral pandemic.

Conclusion

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' learning, ensuring they leave the lesson with a clear and applied understanding of the topic. The discussion and summary of the main points allow for a deep reflection on the content, while the closing connects theory with practice and real-world applications, reinforcing the importance of the acquired knowledge for the job market and daily life.

Discussion

Facilitate an open discussion with students about the topic covered in class. Ask students what stood out the most to them about viruses and viral diseases. Encourage them to share their thoughts on the mini challenge and the fixation exercises. Question how they see the application of the acquired knowledge in their daily lives and future careers, especially in the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.

Summary

Summarize and recap the main contents presented during the lesson, such as the definition and structure of viruses, the life cycle of viruses, the main viral diseases and their symptoms, methods of prevention and treatment, and the impact of viruses on public health and the economy. Reinforce students' understanding of these key points and check for any pending questions.

Closing

Explain how the lesson connected theory, practice, and applications. Highlight the importance of building the virus model as a hands-on activity that helped visualize and better understand viral morphology. Emphasize how the acquired knowledge is applicable in the job market, especially in the research and development of vaccines and antiviral therapies. Conclude by stressing the relevance of studying viruses for public health and global quality of life.