Introduction
Recent controversy over genetically modified organisms has sparked the interest of people everywhere. Citizens of the world are beginning to ask questions such as: Are they safe? Do the altered genes transfer? Can they solve world hunger issues?
As genetic engineers, you will analyze the effects of one Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) and the impact on your local community and the world market. You will be asked to consider the ethical and medical issues surrounding GMOs. In the coming weeks you and your team will develop a presentation to convey their point of view to the FDA, NIH or other respective authorities.
Task
Today you will be exploring different articles and findings to form an educated opinion on the development and use of genetically modified organisms in the world market. You will read different points of view and opposing opinions.
You have two documents to produce:
1. Using the following Word Document, take notes on your findings to help you form an educated opinion on the use of GMOs.
Genetically Modified Organism: You Are What You Eat
Instructions: Using the websites provided by the webquest, take notes on the pros and cons of using GMO foods in the world and local markets. At the end of your research, form an educated opinion on your stance on GMOs.
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Notes |
Resources |
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Pros: |
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Cons: |
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2. Pick a food or organism of interest to you. Research the advancements and use of the product as well as how the food was made (what biotechnology was utilized). You may pick from one on the following list or research your own:
- Flavr Savr Tomato
- Golden Rice
- Sugar Beets
- Potatoes
- Bt Corn
- Squash
- Soy Bean
- Oils (cooking)
- Animal Feed for Livestock (including beef and pork)
- Salmon
Process
Use the following websites as your sources for information. Feel free to do independent research as well.
Overview articles:
http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php
http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-genetically-modified-food-products.htm
Pro:
http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/
http://classes.soe.ucsc.edu/cmpe080e/Spring05/projects/gmo/benefits.htm
http://www.globalization101.org/highly-beneficial-increased-yield-and-hardiness/
Con:
http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/
http://classes.soe.ucsc.edu/cmpe080e/Spring05/projects/gmo/negative.htm
http://www.nwrage.org/content/10-reasons-oppose-genetic-engineering
Evaluation
Your assessment is two part:
1. Completed of the Pro/Con note sheet
2. Your report on your GMO of interest. Your report will be due in one week.
Find students that also chose your same product of interest, no more the three students per group. Your group will prepare either a journal article or multimedia presentation to present your findings on that food in the GM market.
The following rubric will be utilized:
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Exceptional (95- 100%) |
Admirable (85 – 94%) |
Acceptable (75 – 84%) |
Amateur (under 55%) |
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Organization |
Extremely well organized; logical format that was easy to follow; flowed smoothly from one idea to another and cleverly conveyed; the organization enhanced the effectiveness of the project
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Presented in a thoughtful manner; there were signs of organization and most transitions were easy to follow, but at times ideas were unclear |
Somewhat organized; ideas were not presented coherently and transitions were not always smooth, which at times distracted the audience |
Choppy and confusing; format was difficult to follow transitions of ideas were abrupt and seriously distracted the audience |
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Content Accuracy |
Completely accurate; all facts were precise and explicit
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Mostly accurate; a few inconsistencies or errors in information |
Somewhat accurate; more than a few inconsistencies or errors in information |
Completely inaccurate; the facts in this project were misleading to the audience |
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Research |
Went above and beyond to research information; solicited material in addition to what was provided; brought in personal ideas and information to enhance project; and utilized variety of resources to make project effective
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Did a very good job of researching; utilized materials provided to their full potential; solicited adequate resources to enhance project; at time took the initiative to find information outside of school. |
Used the material provided in an acceptable manner, but did not consult any additional resources |
Did not utilize resources effectively; did little or no fact gathering on the topic |
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Creativity |
Was extremely clever and presented with originality; a unique approach that truly enhanced the project
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Was clever at times; thoughtfully and uniquely presented |
Added a few original touches to enhance the project but did not incorporate them throughout
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Little creative energy used during this project; was bland, predictable, and lacked “zip” |
Conclusion
Students should be able to form an educated opinion about whether GMOs are beneficial or a hazard. Students should be able to support their opinion with facts that they have found through the web quest. Students should be able to explain how GMOs are made and what purpose do they serve
Credits
This webquest was created by Jennifer Spence, Jessica Tucker and Lauren Brown of AC Flora High School.