Demo Lesson (view)

Summary

What lessons can we learn about genetically engineered organisms from the example of the jabberjay, a fictional bird in the movie “The Hunger Games”? In this lesson, students discuss the definition of genetically modified organisms, learn about the risks and benefits of research on G.M.O.’s, explore the growing do-it-yourself biology movement, and develop proposals seeking to either restrict or permit research into genetically modifying the avian flu virus. This lesson is correlated to McREL’s national standards (it can also be aligned to the new Common Core State Standards): Language Arts 1. Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies of the writing process. 4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes. Life Skills: Life Work 2. Uses various information sources, including those of a technical nature, to accomplish specific tasks. Life Skills: Working With Others 1. Contributes to the overall effort of a group. 4. Displays effective interpersonal communication skills. Science 8. Understands the structure and properties of matter 9. Understands the sources and properties of energy 10. Understands forces and motion 11. Understands the nature of scientific knowledge 12. Understands the nature of scientific inquiry 13. Understands the scientific enterprise Technology 6. Understands the nature and uses of different forms of technology.