Difundindo a Biotecnologia na sociedade: Relato de experiência extensionista no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19

: Biotechnology refers to any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or their derivatives to manufacture or modify products and processes for human use. The present experience report portrays the extension project “Diffusing Biotechnology in society”, which aimed to work with High School students at Centro Educacional Colares Moreira (Codó-MA, Brazil), covering contents widely disseminated by the media and minimally understood by society, such as cloning, gene therapy, paternity tests, transgenic organisms and use of genetic information for the prevention of genetic diseases. The project was divided into four stages: Stage 1: Conducting a diagnostic evaluation with High School students; Stage 2: Cycle of lectures; Stage 3: Developing two workshops addressing transgenic organisms and cloning. Stage 4: Discussion about Bioethics related to Biotechnology. Most of the participating students were unaware of the importance of Biotechnology and its application in society. In the diagnostic evaluation, of the 103 students, only 34% could inform at least one importance of Biotechnology; 44% were in favor of transgenics, and only 6% had heard of gene therapy and knew about DNA testing. With the new coronavirus pandemic, the project execution continued remotely, but there was a significant dropout over the months. However, it is noteworthy that, for the minority that managed to monitor the project remotely, there was great interest and a better understanding of the theme. With the development of activities, the importance of university extension was observed as a formative action and transforming social practice.