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Triatominae biochemistry goes to school: Evaluation of a novel tool for teaching basic biochemical concepts of chagas disease vectors
Author(s) -
Cunha Leonardo Rodrigues,
de Oliveira Cudischevitch Cecília,
Carneiro Alan Brito,
Macedo Gustavo Bartholomeu,
Lannes Denise,
SilvaNeto Mário Alberto Cardoso da
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
biochemistry and molecular biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1539-3429
pISSN - 1470-8175
DOI - 10.1002/bmb.20795
Subject(s) - comics , triatominae , chagas disease , hero , trypanosoma cruzi , mathematics education , teaching method , psychology , sociology , biology , computer science , immunology , artificial intelligence , parasite hosting , world wide web
We evaluate a new approach to teaching the basic biochemistry mechanisms that regulate the biology of Triatominae, major vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi , the causative agent of Chagas disease. We have designed and used a comic book, “Carlos Chagas: 100 years after a hero's discovery” containing scientific information obtained by seven distinguished contemporary Brazilian researchers working with Triatominaes. Students (22) in the seventh grade of a public elementary school received the comic book. The study was then followed up by the use of Concept Maps elaborated by the students. Six Concept Maps elaborated by the students before the introduction of the comic book received an average score of 7. Scores rose to an average of 45 after the introduction of the comic book. This result suggests that a more attractive content can greatly improve the knowledge and conceptual understanding among students not previously exposed to insect biochemistry. In conclusion, this study illustrates an alternative to current strategies of teaching about the transmission of neglected diseases. It also promotes the diffusion of the scientific knowledge produced by Brazilian researchers that may stimulate students to choose a scientific career.Copyright © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(4):323–330, 2014.