Beyond Benign
Medical Ethics
Just because we have the ability to determine an organism's traits through genetic testing, should we do it? Middle-school medical experts examine the ethical dilemmas in biotechnology in the 18th and final installment in a series of...
Curated OER
Tracing Genetic Ancestry Using DNA Microarrays
High school learners read and discuss an article about genetic ancestry and genetic ancestry testing. They complete a paper and pencil activity that mimics the function of a DNA microarray and consider the ethics of genetic testing in...
New York City Department of Education
Grade 8 Science: Genetic Modification of Organisms
Genetic modification is a hot topic in the science and political world. A complete unit gives learners an opportunity to research genetic modification, play an interactive genetic engineering simulation, and interact with the information...
Curated OER
Genetic Research: Decisions to be Made
Learners examine the genetics involved in the human genome. They brainstorm the advantages and disadvantages to this discovery. They research different experts opinion and write a case study which addresses an ethical dilemma.
Curated OER
Genetically Modified Organisms
High Schoolers complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics of (and take a position concerning) genetically modified organisms in the field of agriculture. They complete a PowerPoint demonstration to go along with the unit.
Curated OER
Human Cloning, Genetic Engineering and Privacy
Review the aspects of human cloning and the moral issues associated with it. Individually, your students will keep a list of the articles related to this issue and research issues related to the ethic issues people are concerned with....
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Elements of Biology: Genetics
Students study genetic manipulations and identify the solutions that could help to solve a problem. In this genetics lesson students divide into groups and research genetics for a debate.
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Genetically Modified Food
Learners work in teams to develop a presentation and handout representing a particular point of view in a genetically modified food debate. They synthesize their knowledge of food, food contamination, nutrition, and their issues, and...
Curated OER
A Clone of Your Own: The Legal Issues and the Future of Genetic Engineering on Humans
Twelfth graders define cloning in their own words and examine the different types of cloning. After reading an article, they summarize it in their own words and use the internet to research the history of cloning. In groups, they...
Curated OER
Genetic Testing for Disease Susceptibility
High schoolers explore how testing for particular genetic variations can help people to make decisions in lifestyle and health care choices. They analyze a Web-based case study, participate in class discussion, view video segments and...
Curated OER
Ethical and Critical Thinking: Genetically Modified Food
Students read statements representing different points of view on Genetically Modified Food. They identify the "facts" and "opinions" in each statement, and then briefly summarize the issue of Genetically Modified Food in a short...
Curated OER
Race and Genetics: An Integrated Approach
Students analyze racial issues related to the Human Genome Project. They participate in a mock symposium and write a reflection/position paper based on specific ethical principals.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
DNA Is Only the Beginning for Understanding the Human Genome
Mario Capecchi requested funding for a new procedure targeting genes and was rejected. Four years later, after he proved it worked, the NIH apologized and funded his research. Use an online interactive to learn about his research and the...
Curated OER
Genetic Disease Symposium
Learners research simple and complex inheritance patterns, fetal development and the potential complications of teratogens, fetal and genetic testing, and the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic counseling.
Curated OER
Genes-R-Us: or, Real Genetics For Real Students
Young scholars explore genetics and genetic counseling. They research information on human genetic disorders. Students simulate developing a complete counseling service to assist the community.
Curated OER
Science Jeopardy
Make reviewing evolution, cell division, genetics, cell structure, and scientific method more fun! Science Jeopardy allows teams to choose a category for the question they will address. If you complete the entire game, learners will have...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
A Genome Is an Entire Set of Genes
Today researchers identify a gene suspected of causing a genetic disease in a matter of days rather than years, thanks to the Human Genome Project. Young scientists learn about the Human Genome Project and the scientists who designed the...
Curated OER
Debates in Human Genetics
Students examine case studies involving human genetics. They research the case and determine possible problems to the issue. Students write essays supporting their opinion. They debate the ethical issues.
Curated OER
Genetic Engineering
Students discuss the risks and benefits associated with biotechnology. For this biotechnology lesson, students discuss the role of genes in the body and brainstorm ethical issues relating to biotechnology. They read about an ethical...
Curated OER
Human Genome Project
Students examine the goals of the Human Genome Project. They research issues of the project such as scientific, potential and ethical implications of the project. In addition, they create a presentation to present their findings.
Curated OER
The Bottom Line
Seventh graders assume the role of stockholders in a fictitious biotech company. After investigating the cloning of pets, the effects of cloning on the health and well being of the cloned animal, and the ethical issues involved, groups...
Curated OER
Designing Babies
Students analyze current and emerging techniques used to select specific characteristics in offspring. They examine specific case studies and make ethical decisions based upon the Ethical Decision-Making Model.
Curated OER
Ethics and Reproductive Issues: The Dilemma of Choice
Students research various websites to answer questions and take part in class discussion regarding Prenatal testing. Students listen to an audio file and complete student worksheet. Students discuss different roles of people and...
Curated OER
Genetic Ethics Debate
Students select topics relating to bioethical questions which they research and debate. They, in groups, select topics and are given two to three weeks to research their topics, taking advantage of their school libraries and local public...