Epigenética e ensino de evolução: uma proposta didática para a educação básica

Abstract

Classic ideas about evolution, particularly those proposed by Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel, are fundamental to understanding the evolution of species. However, it is equally important to incorporate the latest advances in evolutionary studies to broaden this understanding. Epigenetics, for example, offers a more current view by showing how environmental factors can influence gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. Therefore, its inclusion in basic education is essential, as it represents significant progress in how we understand the mechanisms of evolution. Introducing these concepts early on contributes to the development of students' critical thinking and brings them closer to contemporary scientific discoveries, showing that science is a field in constant construction and transformation. This work aims to highlight the absence of the topic of epigenetics in the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC) and in the Paraná State Curriculum Framework for the teaching of biology in high school and to produce an educational e-book on epigenetics, written in accessible language and aimed at high school students.