5.2 Franken Foods – Genetically Modified Crops
This middle school lesson, “Franken Foods? – Genetically Modified Crops,” introduces students to the major concepts behind Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Through discussion, a hands-on molding-clay activity modeling the creation of Bt corn, and a drawing exercise, students learn what GMOs are and how DNA is transferred from one organism to another. It is part of the Middle School Food and Agricultural Literacy Curriculum (Pork Checkoff).
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- As a result of this unit the students will: Discuss technologies and methods related to plant production.
- As a result of this lesson the students will: Explain major concepts behind Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's)
- Time required
- 45 minutes
- Grade level
- Middle School
- Materials
-
- Overhead projector/transparencies
- Writing Surface
- Molding clay (four different colors for each group – four students per group)
- MS.PS.5.2.TM.A – one per teacher
- MS.PS.5.2.TM.B – one per teacher
- MS.PS.5.2.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Precepts
- N. Decision Making; N3. Make ethical decisions
- Key Terms
- Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), Gene, Trait, DNA, Bacterium
- Lesson Number
- MS.PS.5.2
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- BS.01.01.02.aInvestigate current applications of biotechnology in agriculture.
- CS.03.02.01.c.Make decisions for a given situation by applying the decision-making process.
- NL-ENG.K-12.12Applying Language Skills
- NS.5-8.3Life Science
- NS.5-8.5Science and Technology
- PS.03.01.05.c.Evaluate the performance of genetically modified crops.