TEACHING THROUGH PRACTICE: Building Concepts with Applied Simulations and Universal Reagents : vol. 1

Abstract

The use of simulation as a teaching strategy has gained importance in many educational contexts, especially in health-related disciplines. However, its application in basic sciences is still limited, particularly concerning the direct correlation with practical aspects related to health professions. This book is not just a guide; it is a starting point for using its principles, practical applications, and inspiring case studies, to equips learners and practi- tioners alike to champion innovation while honoring our collective responsibility to future generations when exploring practical classes. This book addresses the development and implementation of practical classes that use using pH indicators, which we have called universal reagents. These safe reagents can be used in a practical context and/or to facilitate the understanding of the relationship among fundamental knowledge from different basic areas, and various Biotechnology and Health themes as well as disease diagnoses, through laboratory simulations. Each simulation employs a pH indicator extracted from red cabbage, highlighting its potential in connecting basic disciplines to clinical and/or professional applications. Also biological samples such as serum of plama were substituted by apple vinegar, as this book provides a call to action using simple materials to simulate complex contexts. This book is the result of a collaborative effort between Dr. Helena Carla Castro, from the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the Federal Fluminense University UFF) in Niterói, Brazil, and Prof. Mansur Muhammad Dewu, from the Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology at the Federal University Dutse, in Dutse, Nigeria. Together, they organized this book during his doctoral studies in the Pathology Postgraduate Program at UFF in 2024. It is part of their work produced under the Extension Project called The Human Project, coordinated by Dr. Helena. This initiative aims to disseminate scientific knowledge across diverse settings, fostering learning and engagement with science in both academic and non-academic communities using and teaching safe and low-cost strategies.