Conceptions in environmental biotechnology and the proposal of a didactic game based on design

Abstract

This didactic proposal addresses the process of building an online game based on Design Thinking, seeking to diagnose the recognition of biotechnological applications by students in the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd years of public state high schools, and to promote the understanding of the applications of environmental biotechnology through an online game. Based on the five stages of Design Thinking, (1) we analyzed the approach to biotechnology in textbooks – empathize; (2) identified the need to bring biotechnology 

closer to students’ daily lives– (re)define; (3) designed an interesting and playful way – ideate, through the (4) online game developed on the Kahoot platform – prototype; and (5) validated the game with students – test. In the test stage, the educational game was validated in a synchronous meeting in which we observed students’ conceptions about environmental biotechnology (Questionnaire 1), presented concepts and applications of biotechnology in everyday life (lecture), and proposed and assessed the educational game (Questionnaire 2). It was noted that students understand the concept of biotechnology, but have difficulty associating it with practical applications in everyday life. The game promoted students’ learning in a playful way and can be used as a resource for assessing learning.