The Science of Yeast: More than the Silent Partner in Technology Education

Abstract

Biotechnology education as practised in the New Zealand technology education curriculum provides an opportunity for students to use their scientific understanding during the exploration of technological solutions. This paper describes and analyses a science-focused teaching programme taught to year 2 and 3 (6 and 7 year olds) children that develops an understanding of yeast physiology and scientific methodology. These science understandings are utilised in a subsequent biotechnology-focused programme where children developed a niche market bun product. The science and biotechnology-focused programmes are described and analysed to illustrate how science can be utilised in technology education so that the technology focus is maintained without losing the integrity of the science contribution.

The programme was analysed to illustrate the transformation of science knowledge and technical skills into technological knowledge that drove the realisation of this biotechnological learning experience.