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One of the possibilities how to connect new and unconventional approaches in teaching is experiential education. Internal motivation of pupils for teamwork and protection of natural resources is formed in this form of education. Pupils acquire direct experience with living organisms, so their link between cognitive and affective learning is strengthened. We carried out this form of experiential learning in nature especially in the area of the Botanical Garden of UPJŠ in Košice. We prepared worksheets and methodological materials for three areas (Forest Ecosystem, Herb Garden and Citrus Greenhouse) for pupils and teachers. Field trip was organized for 170 pupils of second grade primary school. After field trip pupils completed a worksheet and a questionnaire. The data were statistically evaluated using MANCOVA. We found statistically significant differences in the effect of the mark on pupils' biology knowledge. We concluded the influence of gender on the attitude to cultivation of plants and the attitude to plants like a part of the nature. The positive pupils' attitude to plant correlated due to experience with teaching biology in the field. Teachers should to prefer outdoor educational activities to form positive attitude to nature, human and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined university students' knowledge of and attitudes (n = 378) toward biotechnology in Slovakia, a conservative country where the distribution of genetically engineered products are banned by law. We found a significant positive correlation between attitudes and the level of knowledge; however, although students enrolled in biology courses have better knowledge of biotechnology, their attitudes toward genetic engineering were similar than those of students who do not study biology. Females showed poorer knowledge and lower acceptance of genetically engineered products than did males. Overall, Slovakian students have poor knowledge and numerous misunderstandings about what genetic engineering means, which suggests that science curriculum with respect to this topic should be greatly re-evaluated and teaching strategies should be improved accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]