Living Earth · Week 23 · Inheritance and Variation
Genetics and Ethics
Evaluating news claims about gene editing and discussing who should decide how the technology is used.
- Students will
- Students evaluate news claims about gene editing and discuss who should decide how it is used.
- SEL skill
- Make an honest, fair argument and name who is affected
- What it looks like
- Students practice influence with integrity by making honest, fair arguments about who decides.
- Content focus
- Ethics of gene editing
- Format
- Structured discussion
Responsible decision-making
Responsible decision-making means making caring, constructive choices by considering ethics, safety, and consequences. More responsible decision-making activities
What you get
A teacher guide with what to say, step by step, plus student pages and a supports page for students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. Print or Project it, or assign it in Google Forms and Google Docs for Google Classroom. Your first 10 activities are free.
Standards
- HS-ETS1-3: High School Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectation
- RI.9-10.8: Reading: Informational Text, Grades 9 to 10, Standard 8
- Science and engineering practice: SEP8 Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
- Crosscutting concept: CCC2 Cause and effect
- Literacy in science: RST.9-10.8 Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis, and conclusions in a science text.
- Traditional course: Biology
More responsible decision-making activities for Living Earth
- Counting Life Fairly Responsible decision-makingStudents compare biodiversity counts from two sampling methods and practice noticing when excitement or doubt shapes a conclusion.
- Energy Pyramids and Waste Responsible decision-makingCalculating energy loss up a food pyramid and weighing food choices with care rather than guilt.
- Natural Selection by the Numbers Responsible decision-makingAnalyzing trait frequency data across generations and separating evidence from assumption when making decisions.
- Sources of Variation Responsible decision-makingArguing whether meiosis, replication errors, or environmentally caused mutations best explain inherited variation, and pausing on strong feelings before choosing a claim.
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RoseThread Connect activities are drafted with the help of AI and shaped by educators. Students never have to share anything personal. Our five SEL skills are informed by CASEL's SEL Framework; RoseThread Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by CASEL.