
The Microbiomes video game and accompanying learning modules allow students to learn key concepts in biology and ecology in an interactive way. Teachers can use the learning modules (PowerPoint presentations) to introduce scientific concepts. Students then play the video game and use what they observe about microbial behavior to complete exercises. Biology teachers may use this material to teach students aged 12 and up the fundamental concepts of (micro)biology, such as the characteristics of living things, the role of autotrophic organisms, microbial diversity, nutrients, the effect of the environment on organisms and biological interactions. The material may work especially well for a flipped classroom model, in which the students follow the modules independently and discuss the exercises in class. The zip files contain games for Mac (osx) and Windows (win). These versions can be used by teachers to demonstrate the game in the classroom. The game can be downloaded for Android smartphones via Google Play or on iPhones and iPads via the AppStore. It has been approved for download to classroom devices in the canton of Vaud and the municipality of Winterthur. The learning modules have been designed to be presented in order, but teachers may choose the modules that are appropriate for their students and curricula. The minimum ages shown in the table are approximate. Teachers are also welcome to modify the slides to suit their lesson plans. Module name Lesson content The lesson reinforces these concepts Minimum student age 01_Introduction_ecosystems_ interactions What is a microbe? What important roles do microbes play in ecosystems? How do microbes interact with each other within ecosystems? Biological interactions 12 02_Tree_of_life_diversity The diversity of living things (the tree of life) The parts of a prokaryotic and a eukaryotic cell Ecosystem diversity Evolution Photosynthesis 12 03_Nutrition The composition of a bacterial cell Nutrient sources for autotrophs and heterotrophs Chemical elements Atoms and molecules 13 04_Oxygen_energy How do cells obtain energy? Oxygen: necessary for some organisms, toxic for others Environments with and without oxygen Chemical equations 15 05_Reproduction_viruses Microbes have different modes of reproduction Protecting yourself from pathogens Asexual and sexual reproduction The immune system 15 Microbiomes was developed by the NCCR Microbiomes in partnership with Koboldgames. The project was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Educational sciences, Video games, FOS: Biological sciences, FOS: Educational sciences, Microbiology
Educational sciences, Video games, FOS: Biological sciences, FOS: Educational sciences, Microbiology
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