Biotechnology
or
You’ll have the opportunity to explore genetic
engineering of plants to find out what it is and how you feel about it. In this assignment, you will explore some
websites to become more educated about the
process. You’ll examine some case
studies in which genetic engineering has been used, and you’ll develop a
position about the technology.
Below are listed some websites that give
information on genetic engineering.
Some are for the genetic engineering, and some are against the
technology. Read them critically and
try to understand the bias in the material you are reading.
http://www.anth.org/ifgene/sources.htm
http://www.accessexcellence.org/AB/BA/Agriculture_Overview.html
http://biotech-adventure.okstate.edu/
http://special.northernlight.com/gmfoods/
http://www.accessexcellence.org/AB/WYW/fink/fink_1.html
http://www.anth.org/ifgene/sources.htm
http://www.mindfully.org/GE/GE2/Biotechnology-And-You.htm
After you have done some exploration, put together
a paper that includes the following:
What is genetic engineering? – give a general explanation of what this technology
is and how it works.
Examples of genetic engineering – give a detailed “case study” of how genetic engineering is used in the world of growing plants.
Positives
and Negatives of genetic engineering – list some arguments
from each side. Why is the technology
good and what are some dangers of using this technology.
Take
a position – Take a stand on the technology. Do you think its good or bad? Be sure to defend you position.
Your presentation should be in the form of a paper, word processed, and at least 2 pages in length. The paper will be due on Friday, May 23. Late papers will receive reduced grades. The following criteria will be used in grading:
q
Presentation (10% - 10 pts) – was information
presented neatly and in a readable and understandable format?
q
Information (80% - 80 pts) – Did you present
quality information on genetic information as it applies to plants? Were each of the categories listed above
covered adequately?
o Explanation
of the technology (15 pts)
o Examples
of genetic engineering (15 pts)
o Positives
and negatives of genetic engineering (15 pts)
o Taking
a position (15 pts)
q
Grammar and writing (20% - 20 pts) - Grammar and writing. What the paper well written using acceptable
writing conventions?