Genetics - Whatcha Gonna Do?

Whatcha Gonna Do?

Teacher: Sally A. Bishop: Battle Creek, MI
Subject: Genetics and Bioethical Decision Making
Grade Level(s): 9 10
Target Audience: Biology I
Materials Needed: Worksheets, pencil
Class Time: one week
Brief Summary: Students are asked to make a list of values, clarify them, and then use them to make rational decisions about genetic problems. Teachers model the process; students apply the concepts; students further write their own case studies to further apply the concepts. This is the model (modified a little) that Dr. Jon Hendrix used in his Ball State University classes.
Student Objective(s): To investigate genetic problems, to clarify their own values, to make rational decisions using their value system, to extend their ability to make wise decisions in their personal lives, to understand that advanced technology carries with it the responsibility to make wise, informed decisions.
Description of Activities: Students, as a class or in small groups, develop a list of values. They clarify those values when necessary. Students individually delete from and add to the original list, their own personal values (if they differ from that of the group). The teacher models the decision making process using a predetermined case study. Students are then given case studies to apply to the decision making model. Frequently, students will write their own case studies and do another round of decision making which can be individual or group oriented. This may require research or be the result of a personal experience with a genetic disease.
Integration (tying it all together): Students are advised that these simulations are really enactments of actual decisions which frequently must be made regarding genetic consequences. Students are further encouraged to use the model whenever they have important decisions to make. Students are reminded that genetic and medical technology carries with it the responsibility of making hard, informed decisions.
Further Information and References: Dr. Jon Hendrix, Ball State University; Sally Bishop, Populations to Genetics, Woodrow Wilson Institute, 1994, pp. VI-61, VI-62. Ricki Lewis, Human Genetics Concepts and Applications, William C. Brown, 1994.

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