Gokseong County Future Education Foundation, Gokseong Kkumnolja Operates "Ecological Microorganism School"

Ecological Education and Career Connection for Local Middle School Students

Theory and Research Classes Conducted with Dr. Donghyun Lee

[Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cha Jongseon] The Jeonnam Gokseong-gun Future Education Foundation announced on the 15th that it operated the "Ecological Microorganism School," which connects ecological education and career paths, for two days from the 11th to the 12th targeting middle school students in the region.

Due to the spread of COVID-19 and concerns about future viruses, the fields of bio and microorganisms are gaining attention. Moreover, microorganisms play a role across our daily lives including agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals, so connecting them to career paths can provide various opportunities for choice, but it was an unfamiliar field for students.

The foundation combined theoretical classes and research classes with Dr. Donghyun Lee, a farmer scientist, to link the ecological education promoted so far with students' career exploration and job experience.

On the morning of the first day, stories about ecology, environment, and microorganisms were shared at the students' level of understanding. In the afternoon, students directly collected soil for experiments and made culture media (nutrients for microorganism growth) to cultivate microorganisms.

The next day started with a review of the previous day's lessons, and although a day had passed, the students answered promptly and had a Q&A session about their questions.

Then, by explaining cases of applying microorganisms to eco-friendly agriculture and specifying the role of microorganisms, the foundation helped students understand so they could think about it in connection with their career paths.

In the afternoon, they moved to the laboratory to conduct experiments isolating microorganisms from the soil they collected the day before, and concluded with the completion ceremony of the 1st "Ecological Microorganism School."

A participating student said, "I applied because I wanted to have various experiences, but at first, it felt unfamiliar and difficult. However, I also learned that microorganisms live inside my body, and it was a fun and meaningful time where I could wear a lab coat and conduct experiments like a real researcher."

A foundation official stated, "The ecological education conducted by the foundation not only broadens children's ecological thinking but also strives to connect it with careers and jobs. We will support more career exploration and experiences for children in our region so they can grow."

Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cha Jongseon cha6960@asiae.co.kr

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