GeneticsE.Q.: How much control do humans really have?C.Q.: How can knowledge of genetics change the way we feed the world?

What is Genetics?

Genetics- the science of how characteristics are passed down from one generation to the next.

Other Key Words for Today

Traits- a physical or behavioral characteristic of an organism that can be passed down to the next generation.

What are some examples of traits some traits you know?

Other Key Words for Today

Genetically Modified Foods (GMF) Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)

- organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

-Changed from its natural state.

Examples of GMO’s

How do genetics impact your life?

-Raise your hand if you eat food.

-Raise your hands if you eat genetically modified foods.

Lets Explore Food: Food Label Activity

Assign a recorder for each group.

Ingredients that I know Ingredients I don’t know

GMO Debate – Video Clipshttp://www.monsanto.com/biotech-gmo/asp/videogallery.asp

Food Inc. Clip

Set-Up S.N.

Arguments Supporting Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).Circle the number that best supports your opinion for each argument below.1 = Do not support/ disagree2 = Neutral3 = Support/ agreeGM = Genetically Modified

Argument Before Unit After Unit

1. GM foods will provide many health benefits to people.

1 2 3 1 2 3

2. GM food farmers will benefit greatly from biotechnology.

1 2 3 1 2 3

3. GM food technology will help the environment.

1 2 3 1 2 3

4. GM organisms are a completely natural process.

1 2 3 1 2 3

5. GM crops hold the greatest hope for feeding our expanding world population.

1 2 3 1 2 3

6. GM crops are tested regularly and are safe for human consumption.

1 2 3 1 2 3

Arguments Against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).Circle the number that best supports your opinion for each argument below.1 = Do not support / disagree2 = Neutral3 = Support / agreeGM = Genetically Modified

Argument Before Unit After Unit

1. GM foods could pose health risks for certain people.

1 2 3 1 2 3

2. GM food technology will hurt small farm owners.

1 2 3 1 2 3

3. GM food technology can harm the environment.

1 2 3 1 2 3

4. Genetically modifying organisms goes against nature.

1 2 3 1 2 3

5. GM food companies are profit-driven, with little concern for potential risks to people or nature?

1 2 3 1 2 3

6. GM crops are poorly regulated and may be unsafe for human consumption.

1 2 3 1 2 3

GMO Debate

Add up you total points for each position.

Where do you currently stand?

We will revisit these opinions at the end of the unit to see if you opinion has changed at all.

How are we going to get there?

Unit Learning Targets

Essential Question

How much control do humans have?

Content Question:

How can knowledge of genetics change the way we feed the world?

IB Area of Interaction

Health and social education