3.2 The Pros and Cons of Biotechnology
This middle school lesson, “The Pros and Cons of Biotechnology,” is part of the Middle School Food and Agricultural Literacy Curriculum (Pork Checkoff). Students explore how biotechnology positively and negatively influences agriculture by sorting advantages and disadvantages, creating memory icons, and stating their own position on biotechnology use. The resource includes an interest approach, teaching strategies, application activities, student handouts, and an assessment with answer key.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- As a result of this unit the students will… Discuss concepts and issues related to biotechnology
- As a result of this lesson students will… Discuss the influence of biotechnology on agriculture.
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 45 minutes.
- Grade level
- Middle School
- Materials
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- Writing Surface
- Large Sheets of Paper – one per group of 3-4
- Markers
- Scissors – one per every 2-3 students
- Glue sticks or tape – one per every 2-3 students
- Note card – one per student
- MS.AST.3.2.AS.A – one teacher copy, cut apart
- MS.AST.3.2.AS.B – one per student
- MS.AST.3.2.AS.C – one per student
- MS.AST.3.2.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Lesson Number
- MS.AST.3.2
- Precepts
- G. Physical Growth; G1. Practice healthy eating habits; G3. Participate in a fitness program; G4. Set goals for long-term health
- Key Terms
- Biotechnology
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- BS.01.01.02.aInvestigate current applications of biotechnology in agriculture.
- NL-ENG.K-12.12Applying Language Skills
- NS.5-8.3Life Science
- NS.5-8.5Science and Technology
- NS.5-8.6Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
- NT.K-12.2Social, Ethical and Human Issues.