Students' Prior Ideas Regarding the Content of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

The objective of this study was to uncover the prior knowledge of third-year secondary school students regarding the biological concepts of photosynthesis and respiration. It employed a positivist methodology with a descriptive field research approach and a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Data was collected using a five-question questionnaire and the Mentimeter app. The study population consisted of 30 students. The results reveal that the students do not feel prepared to address the topics of photosynthesis and respiration. Few recognize the molecules involved, and most acknowledge the importance of these processes. Prior knowledge is quite limited, but most students can recognize and associate concepts such as energy, ATP, glucose, and growth. It is concluded that the situation is difficult; however, on the occasions when these topics are addressed, it is noted that students have minimal ideas to address the issues, but that teachers must evaluate their teaching-learning strategies, taking into account the time required, empathizing with the ways in which they learn, and acknowledging when they fail to achieve their goals.