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...
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...
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Dna Forensics and Color Pigments

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students perform DNA forensics using food coloring to enhance their understanding of DNA fingerprinting, restriction enzymes, genotyping and DNA gel electrophoresis. They place small drops of different food coloring ("water-based paint")...
Activity
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Scientific American: Dragon Science: Food for Thought

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Investigate how geneticists use selective breeding to capitalize on hybrid vigor by using colored chips to represent traits in succeeding generations. Use Explain why farmers must buy new hybrid seed each year.
Website
University of Arizona

Pulse: Dawn of New Revolutions

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A cross curricular unit focusing on how much and what kinds of foods are produced because of pesticides and genetically engineered foods. Students will investigate the impact on humans due to the new technology in food production. Topics...
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.