The K-12 curriculum does not cover microbiology much at all. But this area of science matters. Children need a complete understanding of the microorganisms that play roles in our health, like the microbiome, and diseases, like germs. That way, they’ll carry these concepts into adulthood, ultimately helping keep them healthier.

Despite the lack of microbiology education in K-12, some high schools offer full microbiology courses. So, to learn more about what it’s like teaching microbiology at the K-12 level, I talked to high school microbiology teacher Jessica Popescu.

Whether you’re an educator, microbiologist, or science enthusiast, you’ll find something interesting in this episode of the Joyful Microbe podcast.

Topics covered in this episode:

• how to introduce students to microbiology and the different types of microbes
• techniques for engaging students
• how project-based classes help students experience science
• how microbiologists can help high school educators
• hands-on microbiology activities for high school students
• microbiology classroom activity

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/high-school-microbiology-activities-popescu/

JOYFUL MICROBE TWITTER: https://twitter.com/joyfulmicrobe/

JOYFUL MICROBE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/justineldees/

SUPPORT JOYFUL MICROBE: https://ko-fi.com/joyfulmicrobe/