Title: 
Evaluating the uses of genetic technology and research 
Grade Level:
9-10 grade

Subject:
genetic research and ethics

Learner outcomes:
1. Students will evaluate current uses of genetic technology by identifying
the types of research that genetic/genomic scientists are doing, identifying
the stated research priorities, goals and justifications and describing the
outcomes of genetic/genomic research.

2. Students will present alternatives, risks, costs, and benefits of the
genetic technology selected.

3. Groups of students will analyze and synthesize data from a variety of
sources.

4. Students will conduct 2-way communication with experts/researchers in
genetics and genomics.

5. Students will communicate ideas and work to classmates during class
presentations of various formats.

6. Students will create a model of genes as segments of DNA and a genome as
a collection of genes shared by members of a species.

Authentic Task:
Given the rapid advances in genetic research and the advent of the mapping
of the Human Genome, students will respond to a letter from _____________
inviting them to submit a proposal highlighting the future direction of
genetic research. The students will base their proposal on the moral
acceptability and social value of the research. Students will form interest
groups that will investigate current genetic research. Students will contact
experts in the areas of research as well as gather information from various
sources as they evaluate the purposes and intended goals of the research.
The groups will create a website to showcase their investigation. The
website will serve as a way of informing the public and surveying public
opinion on the uses of genetic research. The students will create a proposal
to submit to ______________ that will prioritize the direction of genetic
research and will support the reasoning behind their proposal with the
results from their investigation.

Hook (first choice):
Obtain a letter from an expert in the field, saying that scientists need
feedback from an informed public about what directions genetic research
should take and what priorities should be made. The letter will ask students
to create a website that showcases the social issues connected to genetic
research and provides a place for visitors to express their thoughts and
opinions on the issues presented. The letter will also ask students to draft
a proposal with suggestions on the directions that genetic research should
take in the future.

Hook (second choice):
Provide students with a collection of headlines that illustrate the range of
social issues associated with genetic research. (Genetically modified foods,
cloning, "designer babies", transgenic animals, genetic testing in the
workplace, etc.) Explain that scientists need feedback from an informed
public in order to direct their research through these issues in a socially
acceptable and beneficial way. Ask students to create a website that
showcases the social issues connected to genetic research and provides a
place for visitors to express their thoughts and opinions on the issues
presented. Also ask them to offer a publishable online report with
suggestions on the directions that genetic
research should take in the future.

Best use of technology:
Students will communicate ideas and work on the world wide web. Students will conduct 2-way communication with experts/researchers in genetics and genomics. Students will keep abreast of current developments in genetics and genomics via frequently updated scientific websites. Both the class proposal and group web-based presentations will be displayed on the school website. Students will communicate student ideas and work to classmates during class presentations of various formats. Other uses of technology include: construction of a model of DNA, genes, and genomes, and use of digital cameras to document those models. 

Student Direction:
Students will investigate an ethical issue related to a genetic technology
of their choice and present their findings to their classmates. Groups of
students will analyze and synthesize data from a variety of sources. The
format of the group web-based presentations and final proposal are open to
student choice. Student presentations will address alternatives, risks,
costs, and benefits of the genetic technology selected.