A case study to engage students in evolutionary thinking around antibiotic resistance using the MEGA-plate experiment

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis.
• Understanding microbial evolution is crucial for combating resistance.
• Existing educational tools often lack hands-on, visual components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe curricular materials for teaching antibiotic resistance evolution.
• To engage undergraduate students using the MEGA-plate experiment.
• To connect the MEGA-plate experiment to core biological concepts.

Main Methods:

• Development of an interrupted case study curriculum.
• Incorporation of the MEGA-plate experiment (Microbial Evolution and Growth Arena).
• Utilizing a video demonstration and real-time data analysis.

Main Results:

• The MEGA-plate experiment visually demonstrates antibiotic resistance development in hours/days.
• Curricular materials effectively link experimental results to evolutionary principles.
• Modular components allow flexible integration into various biology courses.

Conclusions:

• The MEGA-plate experiment is a powerful educational tool for teaching antibiotic resistance.
• The developed curriculum enhances student understanding of microbial evolution.
• This approach fosters critical thinking about the antibiotic crisis.