Older High School Students More Positive to Biotech than Young Ones

Older (14-17 years) Australian high school students have more positive attitude to biotechnology than younger ones (12-13 years), this was the conclusion of a study that examined the development of the students’ understandings and attitudes about the technology as they go through high school. It was also determined that most students approved of the use of biotechnology processes involving microorganisms, plants and humans but disapproved of the use of animals.

The data was generated from 465 students by Vaille Dawson of Edith Cowan University, through semi-structured interviews and written surveys. To determine the attitudes, the participants were asked to rate 15 biotechnology processes which ranged from traditional to modern procedures. They were also asked to define genetically modified foods and give examples where biotechnology and cloning are used.

Dawson recommends that appropriate biotechnology curriculum materials be used to improve biotechnology education. The researcher added that providing to young people a well-developed scientific understanding of biotechnology and associated processes will enable them to contribute to public debate and make informed personal decisions.

The complete paper was published by Research in Science Education and accessible at http://www.springerlink.com/content/w345855258877tg8/.