Contextualization

Welcome, young biologists, to an exciting journey into the microscopic world of life. In this project, we will be exploring two of the three domains of life: Archaea and Eukarya. But what are Archaea and Eukarya?

Archaea, often called "archaebacteria," are single-celled organisms that are visually similar to bacteria but differ from them in many fundamental ways. They have distinct cell membranes and cell walls, unique ribosomal RNA sequences, and differing sensitivity to antibiotics. Archaea are found in various harsh environments such as hot springs, salt lakes, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

On the other hand, Eukarya is the domain that includes all eukaryotic organisms. Eukaryotes, including animals, plants, fungi, and protists, are organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, unlike prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea).

The study of these two domains is crucial in understanding the diversity of life on Earth. Despite their small size, Archaea play a significant role in the environment, such as their involvement in the nitrogen cycle and their ability to survive in extreme conditions. Eukarya, on the other hand, are the most familiar domain, containing organisms that we encounter every day, from trees to humans.

So, why should we care about Archaea and Eukarya? Well, the more we understand about these domains, the better we can comprehend the intricate web of life that surrounds us. Moreover, the study of Archaea and Eukarya contributes to our knowledge of evolution, genetics, ecology, and even human health.

To start your exploration, I recommend you to use the following resources:

• Understanding Evolution: A comprehensible introduction to the domains of life.
• Archaea and Bacteria: Khan Academy's detailed explanation of Archaea and Bacteria.
• Eukaryotes: Khan Academy's detailed explanation of Eukaryotes.
• MicrobeWorld: An interactive website with a wealth of information on Archaea.
• What Is an Eukaryotic Cell?: A concise article explaining Eukaryotic cells.

With these resources and your curiosity, you're now ready to embark on this exciting journey of discovery into the domains of Archaea and Eukarya. So, put on your lab coats, strap on your goggles, and let's get started!

Practical Activity

Title: Microscopic Explorers: Unveiling the Diversity of Archaea and Eukarya

Objective of the Project:

The main objective of this project is to research and create an informative and visually appealing presentation on Archaea and Eukarya, their characteristics, their roles in the environment, and their significance to human health.

Detailed Description of the Project:

In this project, you will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will be assigned either Archaea or Eukarya. Your role is to research and gather information about the assigned domain, including its characteristics, examples of organisms found in the domain, their unique features, their roles in the environment, and their relevance to human health.

After thorough research, each group will create a visually engaging presentation (using PowerPoint, Google Slides, or any other tool of your choice) to share the knowledge you have gained with the class. The presentation should include text, diagrams, pictures, and/or videos to enhance understanding and engagement.

The project will last one week, and each group will have a maximum of two hours per day to work on it.

Necessary Materials:

• Computer or tablet with internet access for research and presentation creation.
• Access to online scientific resources (e.g., Khan Academy, MicrobeWorld)
• Access to a presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)

Detailed Step-by-step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Form Groups and Assign Roles: Divide yourselves into groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group should assign roles such as researcher, writer, designer, and presenter.

2. Research: The researcher(s) should start by gathering information about the assigned domain using the provided resources and any other credible scientific sources. The writer(s) should take detailed notes during this process.

3. Organize and Divide the Work: Discuss the gathered information as a group and decide on the most important points to include in your presentation. Divide the work among the group members and ensure everyone has a clear task.

4. Create the Presentation: The designer(s) should start creating the presentation, using the information and notes provided by the researchers and writers. Remember to make the presentation visually appealing and easy to understand.

5. Rehearse: The presenter(s) should rehearse the presentation to ensure smooth delivery and that all necessary information is included.

6. Present to the Class: Each group will present their findings to the class. Make sure to engage the audience and encourage questions and discussions.

7. Review and Reflect: After each presentation, the class will have a short discussion to review and reflect on the presented information.

8. Write the Report: As a group, you will now write a detailed report on your project. The report should follow the provided structure and cover all the necessary topics.

Project Deliverables:

1. Presentation: Each group will present their findings in a visually engaging presentation.

2. Written Report: The report should contain the following sections:

   • Introduction: Contextualize the theme, its relevance, and real-world application. Also, detail the objective of the project.

   • Development: Provide a detailed explanation of the theme, the process of the project, including the methodology used, and finally, present and discuss the obtained results.

   • Conclusion: Conclude the work by revisiting its main points, explicitly stating the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the project.

   • Bibliography: Indicate the sources relied upon for the project, using the appropriate citation format.

Remember, the purpose of this project is not only to learn about Archaea and Eukarya but also to develop important skills like teamwork, time management, research, critical thinking, and effective communication. Good luck, and happy exploring!

Project Duration:

The project is estimated to take one week to complete, with a total workload of five to ten hours per student. This includes research, discussion, presentation creation, rehearsal, presentation, and report writing.