Explore the excitement and ethical challenges of CRISPR and genetic-editing technology. Participants engage in do-nows, view a slideshow, and collaborate on scenarios about genetic editing. Group members analyze scenarios to generate questions based on scientific, medical, ethical, and other concerns outlined in the activity. Scholars also complete a worksheet and short quiz.

Concepts

genomes, genetics, gene therapy

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Review class policies about appropriate and respectful discussions before beginning
• Divide participants into four or eight groups depending on class size and assign each group one of four scenarios provided

Classroom Considerations

• Requires basic understanding of genetic analysis; provide a link to additional activity covering topic if needed
• Uses a variety of handouts, so prepare ahead of time

Pros

• Includes excellent support materials that save teachers' valuable time 
• Contains ideas to extend the learning

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.11-12.1 RST.11-12.2 RST.11-12.4 RST.11-12.7