Work

Applications of Biotechnology in the Environment: Arguments from Spanish Secondary School Students

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The widespread use of bacteria in bioremediation led us to consider what Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) and Baccalaureate students know about prokaryotes and what their attitudes towards them are. This study focuses on the analysis of the arguments made by secondary school students from several Spanish schools regarding the application of bioremediation to eliminate polluting plastics from the environment. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain information on descriptive aspects regarding the application of biotechnology to bioremediation. This instrument allows for a better understanding of what students know about biotechnology and what they value when adopting a particular attitude towards improving the environment through systematic observations and recording spontaneously occurring events. The arguments used by these students were analyzed from the perspective of the knowledge and values they consider when making their justifications. It was observed that the students viewed the use of microorganisms to treat waste positively and valued the environmental impact and scientific progress, although they had doubts about certain technical aspects. A teaching approach based on the biodegradation of plastics encourages critical thinking and can be integrated transversally into teaching, promoting debates and reflections on science and values. It is recommended that these types of activities continue to be developed to improve science education.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17156768

Authors: Cristina Ruiz-González, Luisa López-Banet, Gabriel Enrique Ayuso Fernández

Institution: Universidad de Murcia

Language: English

Topic: Science Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896