Genetics - Bioethics: Debates in the Science Classroom

Bioethics: Debates in the Science Classroom

Teacher: Aleta Sullivan
Subject: advanced biology and ethics
Grade Level(s): 10 11 12
Target Audience: Biology II, genetics
Class Time: two to three 55 minute class periods
Brief Summary: Debates in the Biology class?! Absolutely! Incorporating performance assessment activities such as debate, mock trial, and parody allow the "non-science" student chances to excel. Bioethical decision-making is a perfect classroom tool.
Student Objective(s): The student will depend one side of a genetics ethics argument.
Integration (tying it all together): The portfolio incorporates students' knowledge of human genetics and decision-making skills. It allows the student to prove what she or he has learned, as well as expressing a personal opinion. The portfolio entry also allows students to reflect on their own learning style.
Description of Activities: 1.) Introduction to Debate Format, and preparation techniques. 2.) Student preparation and research. 3.) Student debates (see topics on hand-out). 4.) Portfolio Responses (see questions and grading scale on hand-out).
Further Information and References: Playing God in the Nursery by Jeffrey Lyons, BSCS Activity: The Case of Nathaniel Wu