Mapas conceituais como ferramenta para o ensino-aprendizagem de biotecnologia na educação básica.

Abstract

The teaching of sciences is fundamental for individual development, facilitating the understanding of ecosystems and scientific knowledge. However, learning abstract content, such as biotechnology, can be challenging. Developed by Joseph D. Novak in the 1970s, the conceptual map is an important tool in the teaching-learning process that helps structure and relate concepts, promoting meaningful learning. In light of this, the present work aims to develop conceptual maps with students in the 3rd year of high school at the Felipe Tiago Gomes State School of Fundamental and Secondary Education, focusing on the theme of biotechnology, with an emphasis on vaccines. The activities were divided into four stages: Stage 1: a slide presentation titled "Conceptual Maps as a Study Tool." Stage 2: analysis of students' prior knowledge on the topic. Stage 3: development of the conceptual maps. Stage 4: a questionnaire with objective and open-ended questions about the use of conceptual maps as a teaching-learning tool. In the maps from groups 1 and 2, it is possible to observe that the students developed a structured and organized modeling, but did not use connections between the concepts. The conceptual map from group 3, like those from groups 1 and 2, has more characteristics of a mind map than a conceptual map. However, in the maps from groups 4 and 5, the students used propositions that relate concepts through linking words, which are a specific characteristic of conceptual maps. In the questionnaire, 74% of students responded that they would use the maps to study other topics, while 26% said they would not. Thus, a certain difficulty in constructing the maps can be observed; however, the students' interest encouraged them to participate more actively in the classes and collaborate in groups. It is hoped that maps will be used more appropriately in Basic Education and that other works like this one can contribute to the training of increasingly qualified teachers.