Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetic Engineering

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to the concept of genetic engineering. In groups, they participate in a variety of experiments, in which they analyze the effect of chemicals on different substances. Using the internet, they research gossypol,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hormone-Induced Plant Propagation Lab using Carrot Root Cultures

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Learners evaluate the importance of hormones in living things. For this biology lesson, students experiment on carrots to differentiate how humans and plants reproduce. They collect data from experiment to answer analysis questions.
Article
Biotechnology Institute

Biotechnology Institute: Your World: Plant Biotechnology [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
As humans try to reach the goal of growing enough food to feed all the people, find out how biotechnology is used to help.
Article
American Institute of Biological Sciences

Action Bioscience: The Ecological Impacts of Agricultural Biotechnology

For Students 9th - 10th
Discover some of the pros and cons of agricultural biotechnology.
Article
Biotechnology Institute

Biotechnology Institute: Your World: A World of Change [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
The introduction of genetically modified organisms (animals, microbes, and plants) into agriculture has been accompanied by controversies over their potential impact on human health, the environment, and farming systems. Management of...
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Teachers:engineer a Crop

For Students 9th - 10th
Compare the traditional method of selective breeding with transgenic methods. Interactive activities on this site include breeding the largest ear of corn possible and engineering a "super crop".
Interactive
PBS

Nova: Engineering a Crop

For Students 9th - 10th
This interactive simulation allows you to compare selective breeding with transgenic manipulation to see which one produces a better crop.
Article
Biotechnology Institute

Biotechnology Institute: Your World: Genetically Modified Food Crops [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
This issue of Your World will help students unravel conflicting reports about agricultural biotechnology. Is it safe and environmentally friendly or an out-of-control experiment? Students will learn how plants with specific traits are...
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Biotechnology in Agriculture Advanced

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students can watch a video, read some informational text and key vocabulary terms, and answer review questions about biotechnology in agriculture.
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Life Science: Biotechnology in Agriculture

For Students 6th - 8th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The majority of the corn in the United States is genetically engineered. Corn syrup is used to sweeten many things, like Coke. Corn is also fed to the cows. Learn...
Article
Biotechnology Institute

Biotechnology Institute: Your World: Agricultural Biotechnology [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
A full-length download of the biotech magazine which discusses agriculture biotech crops- the science involved, the benefits possible, and the concerns people have toward them.
Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Engineer a Crop: Transgenic Manipulation

For Students 9th - 10th
You're the geneticist now. In this interactive feature developed for the companion Web site for NOVA/FRONTLINE: "Harvest of Fear," use the latest in genetic technology to engineer your own "supercrop" of tomatoes.
Handout
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Should We Grow Gm Crops?

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn the pros and cons of genetically modified (GM) crops, and cast your vote on whether they should be grown. From the FRONTLINE/NOVA: Harvest of Fear Web site.
Website
PBS

Frontline and Nova: Harvest of Fear

For Students 9th - 10th
Review the risks, benefits, hopes, and fears associated with biotechnology and bioengineered food crops. Find in-depth interviews with genetic scientists, food industry representatives, farmers, and critics of biotechnology. Accompanying...
eBook
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Life Science: 3.21 Agriculture

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn how biotechnology can alter crops to change many different phenotypes of plants.
Website
Other

Bio Ethics Education Project (Beep): Genetic Technology

For Students 9th - 10th
The tutorial examines genetic technology. Topics included are cloning, genetically modified crops, and genetically modified proteins. The resource consists of articles, a video, and activities.
Website
Popular Science

Popular Science: Something Funny Down on the Pharm

For Students 9th - 10th
This article investigates the growing industry of pharming, or genetically engineering and growing crops in order to produce pharmaceutical drugs. While there is huge potential for this industry, the article concentrates on the...
Website
PBS

Pbs Teachers: The Real Dirt on Farmer John: Family Farms in America

For Students 9th - 10th
Trace the evolution in American agriculture with this interactive timeline. Learn how the history of one small Illinois farm reflects the larger changes, decade by decade.
Website
Other

Ota: Genetic Engineering and Agriculture

For Students 9th - 10th
A Q&A published by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This page expresses many doubts, concerns, and assertions about the use of GMOs in agriculture.