MicroMundo: experimental project fostering contribution to knowledge on antimicrobial resistance in secondary school

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a serious global health threat. Education could play a decisive role, so the scope of innovative educational projects, such as MicroMundo, should be analysed. MicroMundo is a service-learning project for the exploration of microbial biodiversity in soils in search of new antibiotics. In order to evaluate the contribution of MicroMundo to the improvement of knowledge about AMR as well as the optimal age of the participants, an open questionnaire before and after the educational intervention (for secondary school students) and a satisfaction survey (for all participants) were carried out. Programme instruction began in university and continued through secondary school; 14 teachers (phase 1) and 137 students from three educational levels (phase 2) participated. MicroMundo was successfully implemented, showing a statistically significant improvement in knowledge about antibiotics, resistance, health and environmental consequences, and possible measures to reverse the problem, at all educational levels. Furthermore, the satisfaction surveys revealed a growing interest in research and science. Therefore, students of general branches who have not yet opted for a scientific line would be the most suitable to conduct the programme. In conclusion, MicroMundo is recommended as a training method to raise awareness about AMR and promote scientific vocations.