Part of Lesson Plan: Careers in Genetic Technology

Activity Overview / Details

This activity could begin with a variety of different hooks. One would be to have a guest come in from the community who uses genetic technology in their workplace.  See Gen-Venn diagram for possible career tracks.

This would give a real life example of what the remainder of the lesson is about.  Alternatively the attached clip from the movie Gattaca could be shown to start the class.  After viewing the clip you could ask the class: "How far into the future is this?"  "What genetic technology is being utilized?"  "Do you believe this will be/is possible?"  "Would knowing your child's potential lifespan be a good thing?"

Before distributing the handout it is possible to ammend the Gen-Venn diagram as needed.  Maybe you would like to replace a topic or add or delete a field.  Additionally, it may be possible to let students generate other topics such as academic careers (evolution and anthropology).

Another aspect of the lesson is that it is possible to scale from a two period exercise with a period (with homework possibly) of research followed by a period for class presentations.  Written documents can also be added with a required interview with an outside professional working in the identified career.