EDUBIOTA

EduBiota: An Innovative Science Literacy Initiative in Microbiology Led by Lara Amorim

Lara Amorim, a researcher in our laboratory and PhD candidate in the Doctoral Program in Science Teaching and Communication at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), has developed EduBiota—a pioneering science education program aimed at enhancing awareness of the critical roles microorganisms play in ecosystem balance and human health.

EduBiota was conceived in response to the widespread misconception of microorganisms as solely pathogenic agents. Drawing upon her experience as a secondary school teacher, Lara Amorim identified a pressing need to challenge this reductive perspective and foster a more comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of microbiology.

“Microorganisms are often associated with infection and disease in the collective imagination. However, many fulfill essential ecological and biotechnological functions,” notes Amorim.

Microorganisms: From Villains to Nature’s Unsung Heroes

Through an open-access, interactive online platform, EduBiota offers a range of pedagogical resources tailored to secondary school teachers and students. These materials are aligned with the official curriculum guidelines established by the Directorate-General for Education. Current offerings include the podcast Micróbio no Divã, didactic activities, teaching strategies, and—coming soon—video content and laboratory protocols specifically adapted for low-resource educational settings.

In addition to raising awareness about the functional diversity of microbial communities—including processes such as bioremediation, fermentation, pharmaceutical production, plastic biodegradation, and atmospheric CO₂ absorption—EduBiota also contributes to the continuing professional development of educators.

Starting in the next academic year, the initiative will launch a training course titled "Supporting Teaching and Learning in the Biological Sciences: Practical Training on Host–Microorganism Interactions", targeting teachers in the biology teaching group (Group 520). This program aims to equip educators with accessible laboratory methodologies, promoting experimental approaches even in schools with limited lab infrastructure.

A Collaborative Project with Social and Educational Impact

Funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), EduBiota is the result of an interdisciplinary collaboration between FCUP (iB2Lab – LAQV/REQUIMTE), the Vila do Conde Ciência Viva Science Centre (CCVVC), and the Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers (CIDTFF) at the University of Aveiro.

Under the supervision of Professors Conceição Santos (FCUP/iB2Lab – LAQV/REQUIMTE), Raquel Ribeiro (CCVVC), and Betina Lopes (CIDTFF-UA), Lara Amorim has led several science outreach initiatives in schools and at the CCVVC, encouraging the integration of EduBiota resources into educational contexts.

The project also includes a research component designed to assess the program’s impact on participants’ scientific knowledge and literacy levels, contributing to the development of evidence-based educational practices.