Activity
(Day One - What benefits can we reap as
a result of GMOs?)
(Day Two - What are the potential problems GMOs may cause?)
1. Tell students, “Over the past quarter you have
spent a lot of time studying plants biology and genetics.
The time has come to take your newfound knowledge and apply
it to a variety of readings. Your goal over the next two
days is to use scientific facts to make an informed decision
about GMOs. Are GMOs a good idea or bad idea? Today we
will be looking for facts that support the idea that GMOs
are a good idea. Tomorrow you will be looking for facts
that support the idea that GMOs are a bad idea. As a group
you will read a variety of opinion papers on GMOs. You
will jigsaw your findings during the last half of each
period. Be sure to give unbiased reports to your group.
Your job as a scientist is to research the topic looking
for only facts. Please keep a record of your learning in
your science notebook.”
2. At this point, pass out the position papers so that each member of
the group has an equivalent amount of reading.
3. Allow students 15-20 minutes to read their position papers and take notes
independently.
4. Bring the groups together so that individuals can report back to their group
members. Each group member should take 3-5 minutes to share their findings
with their group members. As students report on their findings, they should
share the source of their information.
5. Once students have the information from all group members, have them read
over their notes and select the facts that they believe to be the most important
and relevant.
Homework
Day One: Find 2-3 more facts that support the idea that GMFs are a good idea.
Find 2-3 facts that support the idea that GMFs are a bad idea.
Day Two: Make an informed decision. In the conclusion
of your science notebook, explain weather you
are in favor of GMFs or against them. Explain
why in detail.
Use evidence from your classroom experiences and readings over the last 2 days.
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Embedded
Assessment
This
is an opportunity to evaluate students’ ability to work
in groups and share unbiased information. As you walk through
the room, check to see that students are sharing facts, not
opinions. Also check to see that students are making the connection
between the interrelationship of plants and humans. |
