2.6 Explore an Issue
Experimenting With Cells
Research & Debate
Your Position For The Classroom Debate: (check one as assigned by your teacher)
Continue Genetic Engineering Research & Applications (Proponent of GMO’s)
Discontinue Genetic Engineering Research & Applications (Opponent of GMO’s)
Your Task: You will explore the concept of Genetic Engineering by completing this research & debate activity. You will hand in a copy of your research package on 10/25/10.
Use the following guidelines to complete this activity and prepare for the classroom debate on 10/25/10.
1.) Read Science Probe 8: pgs. 57 – 59 and pgs. 386 – 387 (Skills Handbook)
2.) Research Genetic Engineering on the internet, to gain a deeper understanding of the current benefits and disadvantages that surround this complicated issue.
Warning: Use your critical thinking skills when doing this research. Many web sites will provide a biased and/or unscientific opinion. URL’s that end in .org identify sites that provide a non-profit perspective.
This is a great basic site that explains many of the concepts surrounding this issue; however it is not sanctioned by legitimate scientific authorities.
http://tiki.oneworld.net/genetics/home.html
Here are some other web sites that may be helpful:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/benefits-of-genetic-engineering.html
http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/benefits-of-human-genetic-engineering-faq.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/04apr/00774/en/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40RWPeaPZpU (newscast linking GMO’s & Obesity)
3.) Type out or write 5 statements that support your position for the debate. These will be used in class when we have the discussion/debate. Each student will be required to contribute at least one statement that supports their position. Be prepared to back it up with scientific evidence or real–life experience. These statements should be in paragraph form, including 3 – 5 sentences each. (see page 59 – Table 1 for incomplete examples – these are missing the scientific evidence/examples)
4.) Write a short paragraph stating your personal opinion about genetic engineering. Make sure you include why you agree or disagree with the research.
5.) Provide a short bibliography of the sources that you used to help support your position for the debate. You must include at least two other sources than the ones listed here and your textbook. (Full URL or Book/Newspaper Title)
6.) Complete the Check Your Understanding Questions on Page 59 of Science Probe 8. Use full sentences for marks.
7.) Record the definitions of the following terms and include them as the last page in your research package. Create an appropriate title for this page.
- GMO
- Genetic Engineering
- DNA
- Genetics
- Biotechnology
Your Research Package will be stapled together and include the following aspects of the project in the order listed below:
Project Outline & Info
Research Statements
Personal Opinion Paragraph
Bibliography
Check your Understanding
Definitions
Your project will be marked based on the following criteria:
How well you followed the directions of the project guidelines /10
Your knowledge of the subject and ability to communicate your position /5
Your participation in the debate /5
TOTAL /20