Genetic Engineering Controversy Teacher Page
A WebQuest for 9-12th Grade (Science) Designed by Timothy Connors timothy_connors@hotmail.com Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page Introduction
For many of today's students, genetics is an exciting topic. The cloning of a variety of organisms is discussed widely in the new media. Genetic Engineering is no longer a topic of science fiction movies, but is a part of our everyday life. The foods we eat are becoming more and more altered to increase the demand for additional food as the Earth's population swells. This Web Quest deals with the issues involved in manipulating the food resources of our planet and its possible implications for us.
Learner
This WebQuest is designed to be used by science students in grades 9-12 who have studied genetics in their science or biology classes. The student should have had some background in genetics, at least at an introductory level.
Science Curriculum Standards Addressed:
Science as Inquiry
CONTENT STANDARD A: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop
* Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
* Understandings about scientific inquiry
Science and Technology
CONTENT STANDARD E: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop
* Abilities of technological design
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
CONTENT STANDARD F: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
* Natural and human-induced hazards
History and Nature of Science
CONTENT STANDARD G: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
* Science as a human endeavor
* Nature of scientific knowledge
* Historical perspectives
Process
1. Students will be assigned by the teacher to work in a team of 3 students, each of whom will have a specific role: Geneticist, Consumer, and a Lawyer.
2. Students can picked a role to play on their team and then should read the description of their job and responsibilities. Students will be asked to consult suggested internet sites that will provide them with background information on genetic engineering as it relates to their role. As they visit these sites, they will try to answer the questions provided under each role.
Resources Needed
Evaluation
Student success will be determined based on the team's PowerPoint Presentations using the guidelines on the Student's Pages:
Your evaluation will be based on your team's PowerPoint presentation and how well your team researched the topic. You will be given points on the following aspects of your presentation:
1. What is genetic engineering?
2. Describe the process of genetically modifying plants.
3. What has the news media been reporting in terms of genetics and food (consult both TV and other news media, magazines, newspapers, etc..
4. Present arguments promoting the use of creating genetically modified food, explaining the benefits.
5. Present arguments against the use of genetically engineering food listing possible hazards.
6. Provide a summary of your findings indicating if your team is for or against the use of genetics in altering foods.
7. It is important to provide evidence or resources to backup your findings and conclusions.
Your team will be given points for each of the above topics
0 Not Covered - no mention of the topic
1 Developing - provides minimal coverage of the topic
2 Accomplished - provides an adequate coverage of the topic
3 Exemplary - goes beyond the average coverage of topic providing additional insights and outside resources
Final Scores:
A = 19-21
B = 17-18
C = 15-16
D = 13-14
F = 0-12
Conclusion
Students who participate in this WebQuest will have the opportunity to use technology to research a controversial topic and join a team to present an overall presentation to voice their summary. The team will have the opportunity to obtain information on both sides of the issues and determine the impact of their findings on the consequences of genetic engineering from both a positive and negative aspect. Students will be aware that there is no simple answer and that perhaps there are no "right" or "wrong" answers for any of their findings.
Credits & References
National Science Education Content Standards, Grades 9-12
http://books.nap.edu/html/nses/html/6e.html
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Last updated on July 28, 2003. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page
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©Copyright 2003 Timothy Connors Permission is granted for non-commercial use in educational settings. Please send all correspondence to: Tim Connors, Science Chair, DoDDS-Europe: Bahrain School, PSC 451, FPO AE 09834 tim_connors@eu.odedodea.edu Phone: 011-973-727-808 Fax: 011-973-728-583
