Secondary school Mendelian genetics through the virtual laboratory

Abstract

In the last few years, research has shown a growing disengagement among pupils towards the study of science. Two reasons leading to this situation are, on the one hand, the prevalence of traditional methods in teaching practice, divorced from the recommendations of educational research, and, on the other hand, the split between theory and practice, which is so important in science teaching. Therefore, it is necessary to search for effective teaching strategies that are up-to-date with current realities, and a greater and improved integration of practical and experience-based activities. In this context, genetics is one of the most important and, at the same time, difficult contents within the biology curriculum. The aim of this research is to evaluate a teaching proposal based on the use of a virtual laboratory for the study of Mendelian genetics with a group of pupils in the 4th year of ESO (form Spanish education system). The findings show that the proposal has proved to be interesting and motivating for the pupils. It has also enabled them to acquire, for the most part, the necessary basic knowledge, and to broaden their knowledge of certain contents without the direct help of the teacher.