Abstract

DOURADO, Luís  and  MATOS, Luís. A problemática dos organismos geneticamente modificados e a formação científica do cidadão comum: um estudo com alunos de escolas portuguesas. Ciência educ. [online]. 2014, vol.20, n.02, pp.279-296. ISSN 1516-7313.

Contemporary society has been faced with some scientific issues. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) is an example of such issues. For some people, these organisms have an added value. For others, they are taken as a threat. The existence of these two opposite reactions has led to a debate in which citizens should engage, as they are an interested party to it. However, to do so, citizens should be scientifically informed, responsible and active people. Science education can contribute to them developing such competences. The research carried out was focused on student's ideas regarding GMO. 175 students attending Portuguese schools answered to a questionnaire about their conceptions and opinions regarding to GMO. The results of the former study suggest that students hold some scientifically incorrect ideas on GMO, and that they do not completely reject GMO even though they show some doubts about the use of GMO.

Keywords : Genetically Modified Organisms; GMO; Science Education.

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