Process: This page outlines what you will do. For how you will be graded and the time each step should take please visit the evaluation page.
Step 1: Define GMO (Open a googledoc, title it "GMO Research" & share it with your partner.)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/g/genetically_modified_food.htm
Step 2: Explain how GMOs are created. Use the PBS interactive to go through the process of creating a genetically modified organism.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/engineer/transgen.html
Step 3: Learn what items are genetically modified and why. Use this worksheet to help you organize your findings. (You need to copy the template to your drive so you can edit it.)
'Guess what's coming to dinner!' Use this interactive to learn more about what foods are being genetically modified and why.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/coming/
List version of top 10 GMO foods- http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-
shows/curiosity/topics/10-genetically-modified-food-products.htm
Step 4: Determine which perspective you would like to advocate for:
- GMO supporting scientist
- organic farmer
- GMO supporting farmer
- member of the World Health Organization
- member of the Union of Concerned Scientists
- environmental activist (like Greenpeace)
- USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
Step 5: Use the GMO Perspectives link. These websites will help you determine some pros and cons of GMO argument.
- Look at this Googledoc for a breakdown of what your work should look like...
- Create note cards, a googledoc, or a Word document with quotes that
support your point of view as well as that of the role you are playing.
Step 6: Participate in a verbal discussion on GMOs supporting the position you have chosen. See evaluation page for a rubric.
Step 7: Write an editorial for a newspaper with your opinion on whether GMOs should be allowed for food production in the United States. You will include your personal stance on GMOs and address the big idea questions. See evaluation page for a rubric.
Here are two documents that will help you write a persuasive essay/ editorial:
One page overview of persuasive essay.
More detailed persuasive essay information.
Placement of counter argument.
Genetically modified mosquito larvae; Image Credit: SINCLAIR STAMMERS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY; Web retrieval May 18, 2013