LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Ethics and reproductive issues: The dilemma of choice

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/Lessons.cfm?DocID=61

A lesson plan for Grades 9–12 Biology and AP Biology

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

About this resource

Appropriate grades
9–12
Subjects
science (biology and life science)
Provider
American Association for the Advancement of Science

Legal

Creative Commons License

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This Science NetLinks lesson introduces students to the ethical implications of using our growing knowledge about the human genome to improve our personal and public health. Students will be asked to consider numerous ethical issues related to genetic testing and will find that there are no easy answers. Most importantly, students will learn that there is no one “answer” to an ethical question; rather, there exist a multitude of perspectives that must be taken into account. Ultimately, students will learn that making an ethical choice requires scientific knowledge and rational inquiry.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grades 9–12 — Advanced Placement Biology

  • Goal 4: The learner will develop an understanding of the basis of heredity and the role of molecular genetics.
    • Objective 4.08: Examine current nucleic acid technology and its applications.
      • Analyze recombinant technology.
      • Examine practical applications in medicine, forensics, agriculture, and environmental issues.
      • Assess legal and ethical issues that may arise.
      • Recommended Laboratory – Molecular Biology

Grades 9–12 — Biology

  • Goal 3: The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organisms over time.
    • Objective 3.03: Interpret and predict patterns of inheritance.
      • Dominant, recessive and intermediate traits.
      • Multiple alleles.
      • Polygenic inheritance.
      • Sex-linked traits.
      • Independent assortment.
      • Test cross.
      • Pedigrees.
      • Punnett squares.
    • Objective 3.04: Assess the impact of advances in genomics on individuals and society.
      • Human genome project.
      • Applications of biotechnology.