Abstract:

At present, a number of research problems are already being solved by biologists using computer science. Its rapid progress is being accelerated, in particular by biological research. Informatics is also used in applied biology, medicine, pharmacology, agriculture and nature protection. Subject "Informatics in natural sciences and mathematics" is a new and elective subject for secondary schools in Slovakia. The content of the subject was prepared in the framework of the national project of the EU-funded IT Academy - Education for the 21st century. The aim is to show students examples of practical application of computer science in natural sciences, mathematics and related practical fields, which motivates them to choose their profession and significantly helps them to improve digital competences. The content of subject consists of six modules. The first module is informative. It builds upon the obligatory subject of informatics. It has three thematic units: imaging, modeling, and database. Following are the mathematical, biological, chemical, physical and geographic subject modules, the school chooses three out of five according to interest. Content of the biological module builds on the skills acquired in the information module, but is taught by a biology teacher. Topics are interesting from a social point of view. Topics are devoted to the analysis of the image of biological objects, modeling of biological phenomena and basic orientation in various types of world biological databases. Topics are didactically processed according to the inquiry based teaching cycle 5E (Engange, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate). Tasks for students represent a biological problem that can be solved by available information resources or using their own programs. When choosing and processing tasks, emphasis is placed on motivating students and having a connection with life situations. They are appropriate to their level of knowledge but require separate reflection and discovery of interdisciplinary contexts. Before verifying the methodological materials in practice, teachers completed training, where they were introduced to the content and structure of the subject and procedures on how to apply the created methodological materials in the teaching process.

Keywords:

Natural sciences, innovations in biology education, digital competences, professional orientation.