Investigating the High School Students’ Understanding and Insight on Biotechnology

Page: 238-242
Jamila Noory and Zhila Zharf Zaki (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education, Herat University, Herat Afghanistan)

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of awareness of 10th to 12th class students in regard to the science of biotechnology. Biotechnology generally includes a set of technologies that use living or biological organisms such as plants, animals and microorganisms to produce new products. The statistical population of this research includes male and female high school students of Herat Province, among whom 220 students were randomly selected. Data collection tools and research questioners with indicators on understanding of biotechnology and its usage was set. After determining the validity and reliability of the questionnaires using experts’ opinion and coefficient Cronbach’s alpha, the questionnaires were completed by the target group. The results of this research showed that students have relatively less understanding of the science of biotechnology, but showed a higher understanding in relation to the usage of this science. According to the results, teaching the basic concepts of this science is necessary to help students to understand and obtain information about this science.