Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 9, Issue 1, Article 8 (June, 2008) Osman CARDAK and Musa DIKMENLI The knowledge of DNA and DNA technologies among pre-service science teachers  Contents Next

The knowledge of DNA and DNA technologies among pre-service science teachers

 

¹Osman CARDAK and ²Musa DIKMENLI

Selcuk University Faculty of Education, Konya, TURKEY

 

E-mail: ¹ocardak@selcuk.edu.tr and ² mdikmenli@selcuk.edu.tr

Received: 12 Feb., 2008
Revised: 16 Jun., 2008

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Contents

• Abstract
• Introduction
  • Purpose
• Methods
  • Questions about DNA and DNA technology

  • Sample

• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion and Recommendation
• References

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the alternative conceptions of elementary school pre-service science teachers regarding DNA and DNA technologies. The questions asked in the study related to subjects including the structure and role of DNA molecule, structure of genes, some genetic technologies, Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) plants, etc. The important finding of the study revealed that a majority of the pre-service teachers were not aware of the discovery date of DNA molecule. When the pre-service teachers were asked to write down names of GMOs and GM drugs, 92% didn’t respond. A few of the pre-service teachers gave examples including banana, corn and tomato.

Key words: Pre-service teachers, DNA, DNA technology, alternative conceptions

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