Living Environment CCSS Writing Performance Task-

Forming an Evidence Based Argument-Genetic Engineering Due: Friday March 21st

Background:

Our modern understanding of DNA and genetics has opened a new field of science called genetic engineering. Genetic engineering involves the direct manipulation, or change, of DNA in an organism. Because DNA is a universal genetic code, we can take genes from one species and insert them into a completely different organism to display a trait. For example, a gene in jellyfish that codes for a glow in the dark protein has been taken by scientists and inserted into rats, kittens, and even monkeys. All of the species recognized the gene and then displayed the protein trait of glowing.

With our knowledge of human genetics, we have the power to alter, or change, human genes. This means that we can search for mutated genes and help to prevent genetic illnesses. This also means that we could potentially pick and choose desirable human traits for our offspring like eye color, height, and other physical characteristics.

Task- Develop a well written one page essay in which you answer the following question:

Do you think that it is ethical to genetically modify organisms?In other words, do you agree with genetic engineering?

Think about the following while writing your essay:

  • Where do we see genetic engineering today?
  • What are the pros and cons of genetic engineering?
  • Do you think genetic engineering is beneficial (useful)?
  • Is there a difference between genetically modifying plants and animals? Is one more ethical than the other?
  • Is it ok to check DNA for genetic disorders?
  • Should parents be able to choose characteristics of their offspring?
  • Do you think that the parent should be able to decide how a human looks, when that human will grow up to be their own individual person?
  • Is there a difference between genetically modifying organisms for medicine, food, or physical characteristics? Which do you think are acceptable? Which are important?
  • Should life be able to exist on its own? Are scientists going too far?
  • Is there a line that science should draw? Are we crossing the line?
  • We have the science to clone a human. Why have we not done it? Do you think we should?
  • Is it fair to experiment on animals if it will help humans in the end?
  • How do we determine the “importance of a life?” Bacteria, mice, dogs, and humans are all living things. Who is to say which life is “more important?”
  • What is more important- how an experiment is affecting an organism, or how the experiment is able to benefit humans?
  • Conclude with your opinion on genetic engineering.

Topics you might want to research for information:

  • GMO vegetables and fruits
  • Cloning
  • Using bacteria to make insulin
  • “Robo-rat”
  • Glow in the dark kittens
  • “Muscle cow”
  • Human genetic engineering/ “Human enhancement