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The aim of this thesis is to find out, with the help of a questionnaire survey and a preferential test, the preferences of pupils of lower secondary education for various types of teaching aids in biology. The preferential test was carried out on real zoological preparations (liquid cylinders, eventually embedded in resin) and on corresponding 3D educational models made of plastic or other modeling materials. The research is a follow-up to a diploma thesis examining the same preferences in upper secondary school students (Šibravová, 2016). The main objective is to extend this issue to younger pupils and to compare the results of both age groups. The goal is to find out whether and how the preferences change with the age of pupils and if it is necessary to adjust the choice of teaching aids in accordance to pupils' age. The first pilot research was carried out on one class of a grammar school. Then other classes of lower secondary education in Prague were tested. The total number of respondents was almost 200 pupils. This was followed by statistical processing and data evaluation. The results showed that 3D teaching models are better rated for lower secondary education than the corresponding real zoological preparations. This is the exact opposite to the results of upper secondary school students....

Currently, pupils' interest in science continues to decline, although this area of education is very important in every day life (medicine, environment, etc.) and there is high demand for science professions on the labor market. Molecular biology curriculum concerning DNA and the transfer of genetic information is abstract and difficult topic for pupils to imagine, and for teachers to explain. There are many ways to teach this topic. Very popular are iquiry and laboratory practise. But not all schools have their own laboratories, and can teach molecular practical effectivelly. Inquiry based teaching is time consuming to prepare, and not every topic is appropriate to be taught this way. Another possibilities how to visualize "invisible" molecules and processes are computer software and animations or 3D physical model. In my thesis, I examined the effect of using computers and animations to teach abou DNA compared to using a 3D physical model on students' knowledge. I laso tested the possible influence of gender and pupils' preferences on their achieved score on knowledge tests. The research was performed in five classes at three high schools in Prague. Students in year 12 were on different types of high school and some of them took special biology class, their age was between 15 and 18 years. The...