Activity Description :

 

From the dot com bubble to biotech and now AI, technology goes through boom and bust cycles. This activity guides students to think about the historical precedent and apply it to our current technological applications.

 

ACTIVITY TYPE(S) : Worksheet, Discussion

DURATION :

Short version : 20–25 minutes
Full discussion : 45 minutes
Activity : 1 class period

SUBJECT AREAS : AP Biology and Biotechnology Pathways 

KEY CONCEPTS :

Financial and progress risks with new technologies

LEARNING OBJECTIVES :

1. Analyze how AI is transforming drug development, including realistic capabilities and limitations.

2. Evaluate boom/bust cycles in biotech, comparing historical patterns to current AI trends.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED : Basic familiarity with what recombinant DNA / genetic modification is is helpful but not required — the Do Now and Display Visuals introduce the historical case from scratch.

 

STANDARDS ALIGNMENT : 

NGSS HS‑ETS1‑1: Analyze a major global challenge
NGSS HS‑ETS1‑3: Evaluate solutions
NGSS SEP: Analyzing data, argument from evidence
NGSS CCC: Stability & change; cause & effect