Genes: the Building Blocks of Life

The Quest

Genetics is a topic that applies to numerous phases of life.

 

The following issues are currently under debate:

- Cloning

- Gene Therapy

- Genetically engineered foods (GMOs)

- The creation of a DNA database (DNA Fingerprinting)

- Genetic testing (in newborns and adults)

- Prenatal genetic screening

- Gene Doping

- Designer babies

 

With respect to the  given aspects of genetics, how should federal funding for each of the research topics be allotted?

 

Everybody has an opinion. What is yours? Why should more funding be allocated to one of these topics? Should one or more receive no funding at all? 

 

In this project you will work in teams of four. First, the group will need to research and understand what each of the technologies mentioned is, and how exactly it is carried out.

 

Then, your team will divide itself into partnerships as you tackle the pros (one partnership) and cons (one partnership) of the genetic technology. Each group will be responsible to present one cohesive presentation where both sides of the issue are presented. The goal of each partnership is to provide the audience with substantiated information that allows the audience to come to their own decision.

 

Each eam will present in a debate-like format. After each debate, the audience will vote. The winners of each debate will receive 4 blog immunity weeks.