title: A new three-dimensional educational model kit for building DNA and RNA molecules: Development and evaluation*.
abstract: International specialized literature focused on research in biology education is sadly scarce, especially regarding biochemical and molecular aspects. In this light, researchers from this Centre for Structural Molecular Biotechnology developed and evaluated a three-dimensional educational model named "Building Life Molecules DNA and RNA." The development of the model and its evaluation as a potential tool in the teaching-learning process were based on a pilot study involving 226 learners and teachers. Questionnaires were elaborated, containing simple and objective questions, similar to those used in research on science teaching, to orient the evaluation process. Our results show that the model has high educational potential, aiding participants in their conceptual understanding of these molecular structures and their functions, DNA semiconservative replication, and RNA transcription. In addition, it was observed that this model leads students to critical associations of these concepts with actual scientific themes of molecular biology and biotechnology, such as cloning, transgenic organisms, and the genome.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Biotecnologia Molecular Estrutural (CBME/CEPID/FAPESP), Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil CEP 13560.970. leila@if.sc.usp.br.
authors.forename: Leila Maria
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Beltramini
authors.forename: Ana Paula Ulian
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.forename: Tales Henrique Gonçalves
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Luciano Douglas
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Dos Santos Abel
authors.forename: Aparecido Rodrigues
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Neusa Fernandes
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Dos Santos