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The code of life: a pilot bioinformatics curriculum for Brazilian high schools.

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Title: The code of life: a pilot bioinformatics curriculum for Brazilian high schools.
Authors: Costa, Helena Lott1 (AUTHOR) helenalottc@gmail.com, Mariano, Diego1 (AUTHOR), Lemos, Rafael Pereira1 (AUTHOR), Coutinho, Tarcísio José Domingos2 (AUTHOR), de Melo-Minardi, Raquel Cardoso1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Frontiers in Education. 2026, p1-7. 7p.
Subject Terms: *High school curriculum, *Inquiry-based learning, *Computer programming education, *Gamification, Bioinformatics, Python programming language, Visual programming (Computer science)
Geographic Terms: Belo Horizonte (Brazil), Brazil
Abstract: Bioinformatics demands professionals skilled in both computing and the biological sciences, yet introducing these interdisciplinary concepts at earlier educational stages remains challenging. Here, we report the insights and perspectives gained from implementing a bioinformatics-focused pilot project programming course for high school students in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Coordinated by a science teacher with support from university researchers, the course adopted Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) and gamification methodologies to enhance student engagement. Structured in three phases over 9 months, the curriculum began with Scratch, through which students developed Molecular Biology projects such as DNA transcription simulations and question–answer games. Python was subsequently introduced via conceptual lessons and practical activities. The experience demonstrates that similar initiatives can be replicated in schools with basic technological resources and trained educators, although partnerships with universities or external experts may be required in less resourced contexts. The strategies presented offer guidance for educators and may inspire comparable programs, contributing to the training of future bioinformatics professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Frontiers in Education is the property of Frontiers Media S.A. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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DbLabel: Education Research Complete
An: 192842140
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PubType: Academic Journal
PubTypeId: academicJournal
PreciseRelevancyScore: 0
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  Data: The code of life: a pilot bioinformatics curriculum for Brazilian high schools.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Costa%2C+Helena+Lott%22">Costa, Helena Lott</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> helenalottc@gmail.com</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mariano%2C+Diego%22">Mariano, Diego</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Lemos%2C+Rafael+Pereira%22">Lemos, Rafael Pereira</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Coutinho%2C+Tarcísio+José+Domingos%22">Coutinho, Tarcísio José Domingos</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22de+Melo-Minardi%2C+Raquel+Cardoso%22">de Melo-Minardi, Raquel Cardoso</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Frontiers+in+Education%22">Frontiers in Education</searchLink>. 2026, p1-7. 7p.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Belo+Horizonte+%28Brazil%29%22">Belo Horizonte (Brazil)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Brazil%22">Brazil</searchLink>
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  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Bioinformatics demands professionals skilled in both computing and the biological sciences, yet introducing these interdisciplinary concepts at earlier educational stages remains challenging. Here, we report the insights and perspectives gained from implementing a bioinformatics-focused pilot project programming course for high school students in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Coordinated by a science teacher with support from university researchers, the course adopted Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) and gamification methodologies to enhance student engagement. Structured in three phases over 9 months, the curriculum began with Scratch, through which students developed Molecular Biology projects such as DNA transcription simulations and question–answer games. Python was subsequently introduced via conceptual lessons and practical activities. The experience demonstrates that similar initiatives can be replicated in schools with basic technological resources and trained educators, although partnerships with universities or external experts may be required in less resourced contexts. The strategies presented offer guidance for educators and may inspire comparable programs, contributing to the training of future bioinformatics professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of Frontiers in Education is the property of Frontiers Media S.A. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.3389/feduc.2026.1666709
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        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Computer programming education
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      – SubjectFull: Gamification
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      – SubjectFull: Bioinformatics
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      – SubjectFull: Python programming language
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      – SubjectFull: Visual programming (Computer science)
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      – SubjectFull: Belo Horizonte (Brazil)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Brazil
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: The code of life: a pilot bioinformatics curriculum for Brazilian high schools.
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            NameFull: Costa, Helena Lott
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            NameFull: Coutinho, Tarcísio José Domingos
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              Text: 2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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