Name __________________________________________ Date ____________ Per _
Human Genetic Engineering Class Discussion
Goals:
Students will
1. discover ethical issues surrounding the practice of genetic engineering in reproductive
medicine; and
2. understand key terms and concepts related to the science of genetic engineering.
Task:
1) Pairs share (what is a gene? And why are they important? How can genes be changed through genetic engineering. What is genetic engineering)
Format:
a) Student A: Talks for 3 minutes about topics above, Student B listens and writes ideas down
b) Student B: Comments on what is said by Student A (1 minute). Student listens and writes ideas down.
Then, it reverses.
2) Pair Share: Student A: (discuss pros and cons of genetic engineering. What is your view of human genetic engineering? Explain why you feel the way you do) Student B listens and writes ideas down. Then, it reverses.
2. Have a class discussion about what groups talked about
3. We will hold a class discussion on pro and cons of human genetic engineer. All students will be judged on how well they discuss the topic and stay on task. (Please see rubric)
Name __________________________________________ Date _____________ Per _
Pair Share Questions:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Homework Discussion Questions:
1. Discuss issues involved with biotechnology and reproductive medicine. For example,
the technology may allow a 60-year-old woman to have a baby. Is that a positive or
negative outcome? Consider its ramifications. How does this example illustrate some
of the complex issues that arise from the use of biotechnology?
2. Discuss ways in which biotechnology is becoming a powerful presence in our lives.
What areas have been affected by biotechnology? Give at least two examples.
3. What safeguards must society adopt to handle the rapid advances in biotechnology?
4. To what extent should religious ideology influence bioethics? To what extent should
a religious perspective affect the use of biotechnology?
5. What are some positive long-term effects of biotechnology? What are some negative
long-term effects?
6. During World War II, Nazis in Germany conducted experiments to selectively breed
blond, blue-eyed men and women. This is an example of eugenics that was
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Category |
Excellent |
Good |
Satisfactory |
Need Important |
|
Information (homework questions) |
All information was accurate and clear |
Most information was accurate and clear |
Most information was accurate and clear, but not usually thorough |
Information had several inaccuracies or was usually unclear |
|
Rebuttal (pair discussion) |
Conversation topics were accurate, relevant, and strong |
Most conversation topics were accurate, relevant, and strong |
Most conversation topics were accurate and relevant, but several were weak |
Conversation topics were not accurate or relevant |
|
Participation in Class Discussion |
Presented thought provoking ideas, questions to other students. Added thoughtful comments to class discussion. |
Presented some thought provoking ideas, questions to other students. Added thoughtful comments to class discussion. |
Presented few thought provoking ideas, questions to other students. Attempted to comment on discussion with others. |
Ideas were illogical and did not flow with topic of conversation. |
|
Understanding of Topic |
Clearly understood the topic fully and presented convincingly |
Clearly understood the topic and presented with ease |
Understood the main points of the topic and presented those well |
The team did not exhibit an adequate understanding of the topic |
|
Respect for Other Class Members |
Showed high respect for other class members in language, responses, and body language |
Showed good respect for other class members in language, responses, and body language |
Showed moderate respect for other class members in language, responses, and body language |
Language, responses, and body language were consistently disrespectful |
Vocabulary:
bioethics
Definition: The study of the ethical issues of biological research and applications,
especially in medicine.
Context: Scientists must consider bioethics to make appropriate decisions about some
medical procedures.
biotechnology
Definition: The techniques of managing biological systems for human benefit.
Context: Advances in biotechnology allow scientists to separate sperm by gender.
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Definition: The chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions
for making living organisms.
Context: Scientists examine DNA from a developing embryo to find out whether it will
have any serious birth defects.
ethics
Definition: A system of moral principles.
6
Context: Manipulating genes violates the ethics of some people.
eugenics
Definition: The science of improving the qualities of a breed or species by different
strategies, such as the careful selection of parents or the use of genetic testing. Context:
Some people argue that designing traits for offspring is reminiscent of eugenics.
gene
Definition: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring.
Context: Introducing healthy genes into diseased cells is becoming an established
medical practice.
genetic code
Definition: The instructions in a gene that tell the cell how to make a specific protein.
Context: By studying a person's genetic code, a scientist can detect certain abnormalities.
genetic engineering
Definition: The techniques used to manipulate genes in an organism.
Context: A great number of innovations may arise in the next 20 years because scientists