Rationale
This WebQuest's theme of genetic technologies is very close to the actual syllabus, but I think it works well that way. Genetic modification is a very real issue that has the potential to completely change the lives of everyone on Earth. So much good could come from widespread adoption of genetic technology to cure disease and increase crop harvest to combat starvation across the globe. It can also very easily get out of hand due to carelessness or malicious intent. For as much as I am an advocate for the use of genetic technology, I cannot deny that humans are historically rather poor at not misusing resources or morphing ideas to better suit individual agendas.
It is for these reasons however, that I find the topic so compelling, and I think that HSC students will too. This is a topic that directly affects them, affects their future, and may dictate what technology is available when they grow older. I think students would be interested in studying something that can have such a direct impact on their future. They will want to speak out on this issue, but not blindly, without any prior knowledge to support their statements. I think most HSC students are educated enough to know they should research content as complex as genetics, before joining the debate. Inquiry-based learning is a great way to help students achieve this, which is why I believe WebQuest is one of the best ways to teach this topic. It also supports independent learning, which is a good idea to do for students who have a high study workload and may go on to study at universities. Of course, the links supplied in the WebQuest may be biased toward the for or against side of the genetics argument, which is an unfortunate limitation. The best way to avoid this would be to supply as many reasonably objective resources as possible to allow students to make their own decisions.
This table links the steps in the process to HSC biology modules, outcomes, and content.
| Process Steps | Course Outcome/Content |
| Step 1 |
Module 5: Heredity Analyses primary and secondary data and information. Explains the structures of DNA and analyses the mechanisms of inheritance and how processes of reproduction ensure continuity of a species. Model the processes involved in cell replication, including but not limited to:
Assess the effect of the cell replication processes on the continuity of the species.
|
| Step 2 |
Module 5: Heredity Analyses primary and secondary data and information. Explains the structures of DNA and analyses the mechanisms of inheritance and how processes of reproduction ensure continuity of a species. Model the process of polypeptide synthesis, including:
Investigating the structure and function of proteins in living things. |
| Step 3 |
Module 6: Genetic Change Analyses primary and secondary data and information. Explains natural genetic change and the use of genetic technologies to induce genetic change. Explain how a range of mutagens operate, including but not limited to:
Compare the causes, processes and effects of different types of mutation, including but not limited to:
Evaluate the effect of mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift on the gene pool of populations. |
| Step 4 |
Module 6: Genetic Change Analyses primary and secondary data and information. Explains natural genetic change and the use of genetic technologies to induce genetic change. Investigate the uses and advantages of current genetic technologies that induce genetic change. Compare the processes and outcomes of reproductive technologies, including but not limited to:
Investigate and assess the effectiveness of cloning, including but not limited to:
Evaluate the benefits of using genetic technologies in agricultural, medical and industrial applications. Interpret a range of secondary sources to assess the influence of social, economic and cultural contexts on a range of biotechnologies. |
Concepts Learned
Some of the concepts that the students should have learned are:
- the details of cell replication, including the replication of DNA
- the processes of transcription and translation, and their relation to the synthesis of polypeptides
- the function of proteins in gene expression
- how a variety of mutagens can cause mutations
- the details of various types of mutations
- mutation as the driving force behind evolution
- the uses of genetic technology are wide and varied
- genetic technology is in conflict with ethical and moral issues from social, economic, and cultural contexts