Bioinformatics in Secondary School: An App to teach molecular Genetics and Evolution.

Abstract

Genetics and Evolution are seen as a key area as far as Biology is concerned, given their contends are studied in various disciplines. To this matter, the theme should contribute to fostering critical thinking. In this scenario, this study aims at developing a bioinformatics application to serve as a basis for teaching strategies in Genetics and Evolution classes in Secondary Education. The present is a descriptive study with qualitative approach and it was conducted with eleven senior-year students properly enrolled at a federal public school located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. A computer application called Biology To Education was developed so as topics as DNA transcription, translation and alignment could be presented in an intuitive and user-friendly way. From this application, a teaching strategy was also developed with in silico experimental proceedings in which students should answer a proposed question-problem. Such strategyw as validated with eleven students from the referred school. The collected data was analysed to certify the strategy’s feasibility in Genetics lessons. Likewise, it was possible to identify that using a Bioinformatics application enhances the learning process for some  MolecularGenetics and Evolution topics, at the sametime  it narrows students’ gap to scientific research by using recurrent mainstream media contends.