Abstract

Involving students in scientific research is essential for achieving short- and long-term tasks and objectives. A series of four research projects were executed from 2016-2019, whereby extracts obtained from the Crescentia cujete, Lippia alba, Aloe vera, Bixa orellana, Psidium guajava and Jatropha gossypilfolia plants were assessed to investigate their antibacterial and antifungal properties, hypoglycemic effect on diabetic mice as well its toxicity on Artemia sp. The studies proved to be rewarding given the outstanding performance of the student interns, optimizing their motivation and leading to improved cooperation and relationships with colleagues and the laboratory staff. In addition to meeting their goals, other benefits were observed that contributed to optimism, sociability and fellowship among students. Through the experiments conducted with phytochemicals, students learned about commitment, gained scientific insight and developed significant scientific and educational relationships.

Keywords Educational Competencies; Ethnobotany; Investigation; Antimicrobial Activity; Phytochemistry