Pesquisas com células-tronco embrionárias: estamos de acordo? Os desafios de uma sequência didática na abordagem CTS

Abstract

Teaching biology through the Science Technology Society (STS) approach is not yet frequent in Brazil, being uncommon in textbooks. To evaluate the challenges of working with the STS approach with high school students, a sequence of learning activities based on the controversy involving embryonic stem cell research was elaborated and applied. Oral presentations, debate, essays writing, search and analysis of news articles were used. The time spent preparing the material and developing the activities was the biggest challenge encountered by the teacher. Students have difficulty giving oral presentations, discussing content, and writing essays, but performing more of these activities can help develop cognitive skills that are important for citizenship. The use of national news articles can be pointed as an interesting learning activities, as it agrees with the STS approach and assists the learning process.