1. Evaluating Genetically Modified Organisms
Activity 15
Evaluating Genetically
Modified Organisms

3. Read the introduction.
Which genetically modified organisms have you already learned about in this unit?

4. Challenge
What are the benefits and trade-offs of using genetically modified organisms?

5. So far you have read about:
engineering of biofuels
golden rice
faster growing salmon
Support students as needed to construct a list of concerns associated with developing and growing GM organisms.
As students conduct research, you may apply the Group Interaction (GI) Scoring Guide to provide feedback on the nature and quality of their group work.
Give students a project timeline, and provide appropriate support. Their posters and presentations may be scored using the Communication Skills (CS) Scoring Guide.
See the Teacher’s Edition for this activity and Teacher Resources IV: Assessment for more information and suggestions.

6. As you review other groups’ posters, answer the following question:
Should the country allow the use of this GM organism?
For more information on the use of the Discussion Web tool see the Teacher’s Edition for this activity and Teacher Resources III: Literacy.

7. Walking Debate
Should a community accept this genetically modified organism?
For information and suggestions on conducting a Walking Debate with your class see the Teacher’s Edition for this activity and Teacher Resources III: Literacy.

8. Analysis 2
Based on your research, would you recommend that a community adopt the use of your assigned genetically modified organism? In your recommendation explain the evidence that supports your decision, and the trade-offs associated with that genetically modified organism.
Analysis Question 2 is a Quick Check to determine if students are able to support their recommendations with evidence and to identify the trade-offs associated with their recommendations, components of the Evidence and Trade-offs (ET) Scoring Guide. For more information a sample student response see the Teacher’s Edition for this activity and Teacher Resources IV: Assessment.

9. Revisit the Challenge
What are the benefits and trade-offs of using genetically modified organisms?
Refer to Analysis Question 1, which addresses the benefits and risks associated with the adoption of genetically modified organisms. See the Teacher’s Edition for this activity for more information and suggestions on holding this class discussion.

10. gene genetic modification trade-off Key Vocabulary
See Teacher Resources III: Literacy for more information on key vocabulary and the most effective strategies to enhance student vocabulary learning.
Note that bold words are formally defined in this activity. Words in regular font are used in the activity, but not formally defined. The definition of a key vocabulary word should not be discussed as a class prior to the formal definition being introduced.