Genetics Inquiry ProjectYou will explore a specific genetics-related topic using quality online sources for research. Explore the sources IN ORDER and refer to the guiding questions to help you stay on track with your research.
When you have finished exploring the pre-selected resources, reflect on research data you may be missing and need to search for on your own. Ask yourself the following questions when finding sources on your own:
Online encyclopedia databases are a great place to define terms and gather background information on a topic: |
Photo source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/DNA_Double_Helix.png
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1. Do genetically modified foods help us or harm us?
Focus Questions: (you should answer these questions as you're doing your research to help you answer your essential question)
- What is a genetically modified food?
- What are the benefits of genetically modified foods?
- What are the potential harmful effects of genetically modified foods?
- What is your final verdict on genetically modified foods? Good or bad?
Terms to define:
FDA
GM
Source #1: Medline Plus - - Genetically Engineered Foods
Source #2: The Science Reference Center - - Type 'The Labeling of Genetically Modified Food Debate' into the search box. The article is the first search result listed (the Natural Resources & Environment article)
Source #3: Greenpeace - Environmental and Health Impacts of GM Crops
Go to page 2 and read the portion under the heading, "Effects on Health."
Source #4: Food for Thought cartoon OR Corn cartoon
Reflect on your research notes. Do you have enough convincing information to answer your focus questions and the big essential question? Do you need more proof to strengthen your side of the issue? Search for additional information and refer to the tips at the top of this page for finding quality resources for research.
EXPRESS:
You will express your findings for the modified foods essential question in a panel discussion. Look at the panel discussion rubric and view the following example panel discussion to prepare a quality argument:
example: Mayo Clinic Transformation panel discussion
Observe the following:
- The format of the discussion. Row of chairs and all participants attentive and listening.
- All panelists participate.
- An adult asks questions of the group and leads discussion.
- One person speaks at a time.
- Panelists share examples and quote sources where they got their facts from when sharing supporting information for their argument.
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- What is a genetically modified food?
- What are the benefits of genetically modified foods?
- What are the potential harmful effects of genetically modified foods?
- What is your final verdict on genetically modified foods? Good or bad?
Terms to define:
FDA
GM
Source #1: Medline Plus - - Genetically Engineered Foods
Source #2: The Science Reference Center - - Type 'The Labeling of Genetically Modified Food Debate' into the search box. The article is the first search result listed (the Natural Resources & Environment article)
Source #3: Greenpeace - Environmental and Health Impacts of GM Crops
Go to page 2 and read the portion under the heading, "Effects on Health."
Source #4: Food for Thought cartoon OR Corn cartoon
Reflect on your research notes. Do you have enough convincing information to answer your focus questions and the big essential question? Do you need more proof to strengthen your side of the issue? Search for additional information and refer to the tips at the top of this page for finding quality resources for research.
EXPRESS:
You will express your findings for the modified foods essential question in a panel discussion. Look at the panel discussion rubric and view the following example panel discussion to prepare a quality argument:
example: Mayo Clinic Transformation panel discussion
Observe the following:
- The format of the discussion. Row of chairs and all participants attentive and listening.
- All panelists participate.
- An adult asks questions of the group and leads discussion.
- One person speaks at a time.
- Panelists share examples and quote sources where they got their facts from when sharing supporting information for their argument.
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2. Should I get tested for Huntington's Disease?
Focus Questions: (you should answer these questions as you're doing your research to help you answer your essential question)
- What is Huntington's Disease?
-What are the causes?
- What are the pros and cons of getting tested?
- What is your decision and why?
Source #1: Mayo Clinic - Huntington's Disease
Source #2: What is Huntington's Disease? HOPES team at Stanford whiteboard animation video
Source #3: Genetic Testing Huntington's Disease online pamphlet
Source #4: To Know or Not to Know Psychology Today article
Scroll down the page and begin reading at the section titled, "Staring into the Abyss."
Reflect on your research notes. Do you have enough convincing information to answer your focus questions and the big essential question? Do you need more proof to strengthen your side of the issue? Search for additional information and refer to the tips at the top of this page for finding quality resources for research.
EXPRESS:
You will express your findings for the Huntington's Disease essential question in a 'Day in the Life' monologue. Look at the 'Day in the Life' rubric to help you prepare a quality monologue.
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- What is Huntington's Disease?
-What are the causes?
- What are the pros and cons of getting tested?
- What is your decision and why?
Source #1: Mayo Clinic - Huntington's Disease
Source #2: What is Huntington's Disease? HOPES team at Stanford whiteboard animation video
Source #3: Genetic Testing Huntington's Disease online pamphlet
Source #4: To Know or Not to Know Psychology Today article
Scroll down the page and begin reading at the section titled, "Staring into the Abyss."
Reflect on your research notes. Do you have enough convincing information to answer your focus questions and the big essential question? Do you need more proof to strengthen your side of the issue? Search for additional information and refer to the tips at the top of this page for finding quality resources for research.
EXPRESS:
You will express your findings for the Huntington's Disease essential question in a 'Day in the Life' monologue. Look at the 'Day in the Life' rubric to help you prepare a quality monologue.
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3. What are the ethical considerations of modifying an embryo's genetic makeup?
Focus Questions: (you should answer these questions as you're doing your research to help you answer your essential question)
- How can scientists currently alter the genetic makeup of an embryo?
- What will scientists be able to do in the future in terms of altering the genetic makeup of an embryo?
- What are the pros and cons?
- Compare and contrast altering DNA for medical reasons (so the baby does not develop a disease) versus cosmetic reasons (because the parents want a blue-eyed baby).
Terms to define:
embryo
genetics
DNA
Source #1: Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia - - type in Genetic Engineering in the search box and choose the 2nd listing in search results
Source #2: Designer Babies Ethical Considerations article - - from American Institute of Biological Sciences
Source #3: The Telegraph UK journal article
Is this article for or against the issue? What are the biggest arguments stated in the article?
Source #4: Creation of Human Embryos with Three Parents Facing Major Opposition article
Is this article for or against the issue? What are the biggest arguments stated in the article?
Reflect on your research notes. Do you have enough convincing information to answer your focus questions and the big essential question? Search for additional information and refer to the tips at the top of this page for finding quality resources for research.
EXPRESS:
You will express your findings for the modifying an embryo essential question in a paper slide show. Look at the Paper Slide Show rubric and view the following quality example of paper slide shows before preparing your quality product.
Africa Paper Slide Show example - Ghana
- How can scientists currently alter the genetic makeup of an embryo?
- What will scientists be able to do in the future in terms of altering the genetic makeup of an embryo?
- What are the pros and cons?
- Compare and contrast altering DNA for medical reasons (so the baby does not develop a disease) versus cosmetic reasons (because the parents want a blue-eyed baby).
Terms to define:
embryo
genetics
DNA
Source #1: Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia - - type in Genetic Engineering in the search box and choose the 2nd listing in search results
Source #2: Designer Babies Ethical Considerations article - - from American Institute of Biological Sciences
Source #3: The Telegraph UK journal article
Is this article for or against the issue? What are the biggest arguments stated in the article?
Source #4: Creation of Human Embryos with Three Parents Facing Major Opposition article
Is this article for or against the issue? What are the biggest arguments stated in the article?
Reflect on your research notes. Do you have enough convincing information to answer your focus questions and the big essential question? Search for additional information and refer to the tips at the top of this page for finding quality resources for research.
EXPRESS:
You will express your findings for the modifying an embryo essential question in a paper slide show. Look at the Paper Slide Show rubric and view the following quality example of paper slide shows before preparing your quality product.
Africa Paper Slide Show example - Ghana