he aim of the course Algae and Student Projects is to train students to recognize algae as suitable and valuable model organisms in teaching nature and biology. Through lectures and project-based learning, students will realize that there are no limits to the use of algae in education, but rather numerous opportunities to connect them with curricular content.
In line with the new curriculum, which provides teachers with greater autonomy and freedom, the course emphasizes that a project with algae can be designed as: a student project within regular classes, a project for additional or extracurricular activities, a school-level project, a project intended for student competitions. The course enables students to consider the challenges of this teaching approach (organizational, methodological, and technical) and to critically reflect on its feasibility and sustainability. At the same time, the focus is on the benefits of using algae in teaching: encouraging inquiry-based learning, developing creativity and teamwork, linking scientific content with practical experience, and increasing student motivation for nature and biology.
COURSE CONTENT
1. Introduction -objectives, structure, and course organization. General information, rules, obligations, and monitoring of progress.
2. What are algae? Structure, diversity, habitats, role in nature, and significance for humans.
3. Algae as model organisms in teaching biology and nature. Examples of research and projects.
4. School collections, models, experiments, workshops, and a scientific corner. Techniques of collecting and documenting algae, herbariums, wet and permanent preparations.
5. Theory of implementing student projects. Independent and guided projects, mentorship.
6. Student project proposal - independent selection of topic, formulation of goals and hypotheses.
7. Joint project proposal - collaboration between students and mentors, teamwork, and task distribution.
8. Selection of algae for student projects - criteria, sustainability, availability, and educational value.
9. Acquisition of materials - challenges and organization of resources.
10. Goals, hypotheses, and project plan. Methodology and planning of research.
11. Expected results and their valorization within and beyond the curriculum.
12. Implementation of student projects - phases of work, role of mentors, process evaluation.
13. Curriculum and learning outcomes - links with teaching nature and biology in primary schools.
14. Topics that algae cover in teaching - general (ecology, diversity, nature conservation) and specific (photosynthesis, unicellular organisms, carbon cycle).
15. Evaluation of prepared project proposals - discussion, assessment, and improvement.
SEMINARS - follow the course content. Through seminar work, students gain experience in collecting, documenting, and preserving algae, designing and implementing projects, bringing them to completion, and presenting them.
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A Teacher's Guide To Classroom Research, David Hopkins, Open Univerisity Press, McGraw-Hill Education, Berkshire, England, 2014.
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Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers, Judith Bell and Stephen Waters, Open Univerisity Press, McGraw-Hill Education, London, England., 2018.
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Research Methods in Education, Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion, Keith Morrison, RoutledgeTaylor & Francis. London and New York, 2018.
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