Biology in the secondary school: from the students ’ views to the school curriculum

All scientific knowledge, as its technological applications, is reflected in everyday life. It is urgent that in the present democratic societies, the young act as informed citizens and that some of them decide to follow a career in the sientific-tecnological area in order to continue social development. To achieve this, it is necessary to stimulate students ’ interest in the learning of science. Although Biology is in its golden years, little is known about its teaching based on students ’ views and its compliance with recent international orientations. This empirical study aims to investigate: students ’ interest in the learning of Biology at secondary level; its origins, how students see the role of practical work in their Biology literacy; how the Portuguese secondary Biology curriculum is organized in order to support and adequate biology education. The sample involved in data collection consisted of 1590 secondary shool students from 30 schools. Results allow us to conclude that students show a high level of interest in Biology (themes, practical activities), a finding which is strongly related both to formal and non-formal teaching. Documental analysis carried out on the school Biology programmes shows a lack of relevant themes in the curriculum. KEY-WORDS: students ’ interest; Biology school curriculum; STS Biology education. RESUME Toute connaissance scientifique ainsi que ses applications technologiques, se réfléchissent dans la vie de chaque jour