Teaching Biotechnology in Schools. Science and Technology Education Document Series No. 39.

This document series has been established as part of Unesco's Science and Technology Programme to encourage an international exchange of ideas and information in science education. This volume addresses the improvement of biotechnology education in school up to year 10 and aims at improving the quantity and quality of biotechnology taught in schools worldwide. The five chapters deal with the following subjects: an overview of biotechnology; the principles and applications of biotechnology; the social implications of biotechnology; and considerations for implementation. In addition to discussing the history and basic principles of biotechnology, the book provides detailed classroom lessons that can be incorporated into many general science and biology programs. The lessons on the science of biotechnology are complemented by discussions of ethical and policy issues related to biotechnology, and these discussions are developed further in the chapter on the social implications of biotechnology and the educational context in which they should be considered. The book concludes with an overview of common barriers to the introduction of biotechnology into the curriculum and with suggestions for overcoming those barriers. (PR)