Activity Description :

 

Exploring the ideas of heritable diseases and germline genetic manipulation and the ethical complications that come with them. Includes connection to the movie GATTACA with discussion questions about the ethical issues brought up in the movie (PG-13).

 

ACTIVITY TYPE(S) : Worksheet, Discussion

DURATION :

Short version : 25–35 minutes
Full film + worksheet : 90–120 minutes
Homework + in‑class discussion : 45–60 minutes
Movie night : 2 hours + optional reflection

SUBJECT AREAS : AP Biology and Biotechnology Pathways 

KEY CONCEPTS :

Heritable genetic changes and the ethical weight of altering future generations

LEARNING OBJECTIVES :

1. Evaluate a modern biotechnology (CRISPR babies, RNA vaccines, AI drug design) using ethical frameworks including justice, autonomy, equity, and long‑term consequences.

2. Analyze how scientific discoveries create moral, social, and regulatory dilemmas, and identify stakeholders affected by new technologies.

3. Explain how decisions about acceptable risk, regulation, and access are made, and propose alternative systems for oversight.

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-LS3-1 : DNA structure → inheritance
NGSS HS-LS3-2 : Variation and mutation
NGSS HS-LS3-3 : Inheritance and probability
NGSS HS-ETS1-1 : Defining problems with societal impact
NGSS HS-ETS1-3 : Evaluating solutions
NGSS SEP : Asking questions, analyzing data, engaging in argument from evidence
NGSS CCC : Cause and effect; systems; stability and change