Part of Lesson Plan: Current Events in Biotechnology

Activity Overview / Details

Start class by handing each student an unsealed envelope.  In the envelope is a ballot.  Tell students to go to their seats and vote.  Have the classroom already set up so students may not see how one another votes.  Tell students to quickly vote first and then fill out the questions below the voting ballot.

Have a discussion on how being informed on current events might make for better voting.  This will vary according to class beliefs, but allow students time to reflect on this voting experience.  Responses should include knowing more specifics on genetically engineered livestock (as in positive and negative effects), understanding current rules in genetic screening and or understanding the diseases being screened for, etc.

Discuss as a class other benefits to staying current in the biotechnology field.  Students should associate current events with items like sharing research, better safety and lab knowledge, better consumers, etc.