Abstract:

Here I present my results and ongoing activities of a new Science Teaching and Dissemination project conceived and realized in the framework of the XXXII edition of "FUTURO REMOTO", the Italian Convention aimed to Dissemination of Scientific and Technological Culture.

Born with the aim of communicating and inspire passion for the research world and innovation in Biosciences field, VisualFOOD project represents the evolution of my previously reported (INTED, 2017,2018) simple experiments that use familiar objects, and in particular natural foods, allowing both to present more easily abstract scientific concepts and to reinforce the idea that chemistry, physics and biology are well present in the life of every day, even if many are unaware of it.

Afterwards, Visual FOOD practical activities have been integrated, adding lessons and comprehension exercise to spark discussion about how natural foods can affect our genes and health and re-targeted in order to teach and enhance Molecular Biology learning of high school students of 15-16 years old.

Actually, it is an inspiration source for my educational innovation teaching projects in the frame of the Italian school-work experience at Department of BIOLOGY of Federico II University of Naples (http://www.dipartimentodibiologia.unina.it/orientamento-in-ingresso/orientamento-scuole/).

I proposed lessons and laboratory experiments consisting of some simple, fun and unusual activities. Some of the procedures and working methods involved are used to prepare dishes in the field of Food Science (also of Molecular Gastronomy) with the aim to contribute in promoting and orienting scientific / technological culture and stimulate and motivate students to healthy eating and to learn about molecular nutrition.

From the kitchen to the laboratory, from the calories to the molecules, depending on students, various types of activities are proposed with the aim of contributing together to increase awareness of the importance and the impact that science, through its technological applications, has in every moment of our daily life.

This is because food is not just energy and nutrient molecules!
Several educational strategies involving games and relates activities with the objective of improving student’s performance in topics related to cell and molecular biology have been realized: card games, crossword puzzle, rebus game, or poster stimulating helpful discussion are examples among educational interactive games that were conceived and produced in order to promote and help also the achievement of important objectives relate to cognition, socialization, and creativity.

3D edible DNA models, realized using fruit and or vegetable were proposed and/or build with students in order to reinforce the pleasure of discovering and learning through teamwork. Classroom discussion were also promoted in order to address opinion and encourage the interpretation and learn from mistakes.

All activities and many of the products realized have been documented with digital pictures taken recently by the students during or at the end of their lab or classroom activities.

Structured tests for the evaluation of the progression of learning and a semi-structured test for the final evaluation of the objectives achieved have been prepared for the assessment and the evaluation of achievement level of training and skills objectives. The degree of student participation during all phase of the project was also considered.

Keywords:

Higher education, science communication, problem/project based learning, hands-on course, soft skills improvement, epigenetics, scientific exploration of food.