Genetics - Bioethics and the HGP

Bioethics and the HGP

Teacher: Linda J. Morris
Subject: ethics
Grade Level(s): 7 8 9 10 11 12
Target Audience: Biology I, Biology II, AP Biology, Genetics, Life Science
Materials Needed: case studies, transparencies
Class Time: 1 to 5 days
Brief Summary: Case studies of Fragile-X, colon cancer, Huntington disease and schizophrenia are used in decision-making situations which are evaluated using the Principles and Rules of Ethics. DNA fingerprinting is evaluated in terms of privacy issues. Knappers and Chadwick's 5 Basic Principles Regarding Ethical or Legal Norms of the Human Genome Project are discussed.
Student Objective(s): To analyze case studies using the rules and principles of ethics. To understand which rules and principles of theics are of great importance to the Human Genome Project.
Integration (tying it all together): Integration of science and humanities; science and social studies through mock student hearings.
Description of Activities: 1.) Simplified dinosaur transparencies defining the Rules and Principles of Ethics are used to analyze case studies of Fragile-X and colon cancer. The case studies of Huntington disease and schizophrenia are presented in dialogue form and also analyzed using the group discussion method and transparencies. 2.) Transparencies are also used to discuss DNA fingerprinting and the privacy issue. 3.) Insurance and employment issues are presented in a mock student hearing. Students use model U.N. rules. 4.) Knappers and Chadwick's 5 Basic Principles Regarding Ethical or Legal Norms of the HGP are also discussed in groups.
Further Information and References: Science Sept 30, 1994 "The Human Genome Project: Under an International Ethical Microscope", B.M. Knappers and R. Chadwick, pp. 2035-6, The Science Teacher, Feb, 1994, "Bioethical Dilemmas" Linda Morris, pp. 39-41

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