Topic Frameworks (TFs), written by hundreds of microbiologists worldwide in non-specialized language that can be interpreted by teachers for classes and groups of different ages and educational needs, serve as general knowledge topics that make up the individual lessons of the microbiology curriculum. They are the centerpiece of the resources created by IMiLI to promote microbiology literacy in society.

TFs are essentially independent, allowing them to be freely selected and combined based on each teacher’s objectives, interests, and educational priorities. In fact, teachers can easily create new TFs by mixing and matching parts of different TFs.

It is important to highlight that TFs:

(a) Focus on the interests/experiences of children and adolescents, and whenever possible, are approached and considered from the perspective of those interests/experiences.

(b) Address the topic within the context of broader relevant issues, particularly sustainability, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Grand Challenges facing society, and the interconnectedness of things.

(c) Provide examples of the types of issues faced by decision-makers at various levels in different contexts, where microbiology knowledge would facilitate evidence-based decision-making. In this way, students are encouraged to consider their role as stakeholders in such policies and learn how to become active participants