To Eat Or Not To Eat?—The Case Of Genetically Engineered Food

Introduction  I  Task  I  Process I  Resources  I  Evaluation  I  Conclusion  

Introduction                                                                                

Darwinism is based on "survival of the fittest". We humans want not only to survive, but thrive. Humans are forever trying to manipulate the environment to gain an advantage. We cross- pollinate and graft plants, and we selectively breed the biggest and healthiest animals. Today, however, we are manipulating nature by inserting genes from one species into another. This technology is already being applied in agriculture to genetically engineer and genetically modify food. In fact, chances are you’ve consumed, knowingly or unknowingly, genetically engineered (GE) food. GE foods have both potential promise and danger. Many feel strongly that the US must proceed with this technology; others want to ban GE food altogether. The debate continues…what do YOU think?

Task

Your task will be to analyze the current debate regarding the potential benefits and dangers of GE foods, and to formulate and defend, in the form of an editorial, your position on the following question:

Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong answer. GE food is a complex and controversial issue among the scientific, economic, agricultural, environmental, legal, and political communities. You will be assessed on how well you support your position, communicate effectively, and collaborate with your peers to discern fact from fiction, consider possible consequences of your position, and present your perspective convincingly.

Resources

http://www.keepnatural.org/latestnews.html Go to introduction to discover general background information.

http://www.oneworld.org/panos/briefing/brief30.htm#intro (balanced approach)

http://www.ucsusa.org/agriculture/gen.alternatives.html (alternatives)

http://www.ucsusa.org/agriculture/world.food.html  (con)

http://www.psrast.org/intropage.htm (con)

http://www.biotechknowledge.com/showscience.php3?science_id=9&country=us (pro)

http://www.keepnatural.org/risksbenefits.html (pros and cons)

http://www.sciam.com/explorations/1999/070599plants/index.html (the case for and against w/ lots of related links)

http://www.sciam.com/explorations/1999/071999plants/index.html This site provides many viewpoints pro&con

*Embed the anchors within a description of each resource so that your learners know in advance what they're clicking on.

 Process

Step 1: You will be working in a group of four students. As a group, choose or assign each member one role from the four roles listed below, making sure all four roles are taken.

        *Environmentalist                          *Farmer

          

    *Scientist                                                            *Economist

Step 2: Explore several websites to learn more about GE food.

Step 3: Compile a list of the potential benefits and dangers of GE food from your perspective. In doing so, try to determine what is fueling the debate.

Step 4: Share your findings and perspectives with the group.

Step 5: Take a stand as a group. Decide whether the group will favor or oppose banning the production of GE food. To aid in this process, the group may choose to compile a new checklist of pros and cons.

Step 6: Compose an organized, thought-provoking, and persuasive editorial that expresses your group position. Be sure to provide ample and accurate support and rationale for your position using proper grammar and punctuation.

Evaluation

Conclusion

By now you should have a better understanding of what GE food is and why this technology is so controversial. You will also have gained experience in expressing and listening to various perspectives, coming to consensus, and writing a persuasive editorial. So, next time you eat dinner, will you wonder whether your food is safe?

Credits

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