MESOMILHO: A DIDACTIC MODEL OF THE CORN LEAF

Abstract

Corn belonging to the Poaceae family, a monocotyledonous plant. The leaf mesophyll has a peculiar structure and plays a fundamental role in photosynthesis and gas exchange. The biological model aims to assist in the teaching and learning process of plant anatomy, allowing students a clearer and more concrete visualization of the structures present in the leaf mesophyll. The objective of this work was to develop a didactic model elucidating the anatomy of the corn leaf, in addition to providing a tactile representation to assist in teaching botany. The didactic model was created by students of the Biological Sciences course (Bachelor's degree) at UEMG-Divinópolis in June 2023. The materials used were low cost and easy to access. The model was named MESOMILHO, in reference to the mesophyll of corn plant leaves. Among the existing didactic models, few are focused on botany and even more limited to plant anatomy. It was possible to notice in the development of the corn leaf didactic model that resources that enable the expanded visualization of microscopic structures are quite significant in the teaching-learning process. The model can be used during lectures, practical classes, interactive classes, exhibitions, interventions and assists in the learning of students with visual impairments.