In this master's thesis, students’ interest in selected biology topics was explored. The key question was why interest in science subjects has been declining in recent years, which is particularly important given the growing demand in the economy for scientifically trained professionals. The focus was on what students find most interesting in biology and science, as well as their attitudes toward biological content. The research was based on three thematic units: plants, animals, and evolution. It was analysed which topics students find most and least interesting, as well as their overall attitude toward biological content. A total of 241 students participated in the study, including 125 boys and 106 girls.
The research provided partial insight into the interests of sixth- and ninth-grade students from two Slovenian primary schools regarding selected biological topics. It was established that students are most interested in topics involving dangerous animals, poisonous plants, and human evolution. There were no significant gender differences in interest across the thematic units. Girls showed more interest in poisonous plants and the relationship between humans and other living beings, while boys were more interested in animal reproduction. When comparing the two age groups, sixth graders showed more interest in biological content than ninth graders, particularly in topics related to the development of living beings on Earth, their historical changes, and plant reproduction. Interest in specific biological topics is linked to general interest in biology and science. Greater interest in topics such as dangerous animals, human development, and evolution often coincides with a higher desire to learn and greater academic effort. This correlation is especially strong among girls and among the younger group of students in the sample.
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