Exploring the influence of the mass media on primary students' conceptual understanding of genetics

The new Australian Curriculum ignites debate about science content appropriate for primary school children. Abstract genetics concepts such as genes and DNA are still being avoided in primary school, yet research has shown that, by age 10, many students have heard of DNA and/or genes. Scientific concepts appear in the mass media, but primary students' exposure to the media and the potential influence it has on their understandings is a neglected area of science education research. This study explores the conceptions that Year 5-7 students in one Australian school hold about genes and DNA and compares that with their levels of exposure to the mass media. Quantitative and qualitative data from detailed media questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 25 children were examined for any indication of a relationship between media exposure and knowledge of genes and DNA. Findings indicate television was the participating students' major source of information about genetics, but, generally, as knowledge about genetics increased, so did the incidence of misconceptions.