Activity Description :

 

Exploring the potential consequences of new biotechnologies, how they affect people and who should decide about rules and regulations.

 

ACTIVITY TYPE(S) : Worksheet, Discussion

DURATION :

Short version: 25–35 minutes
Full discussion + activity: 45–60 minutes
Extended project: 1–2 class periods

GRADES : High School (9-12) 

SUBJECT AREAS : AP Biology and Biotechnology Pathways 

KEY CONCEPTS :

Public perception can change about new technologies. Communication about these ideas through both scientists and the media can have impacts on regulation, uptake, access and funding.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES :

Analyze how fear, hope and profit shape public perception of biotechnology and influence regulation, investment, and trust
Explain how financial incentives interact with scientific risk, identify stakeholders who benefit or are harmed when biotech becomes profitable.
Evaluate media framing by comparing fear-based, hope-based, and profit-based articles about the same biotechnology product.

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 : 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