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Elementary & Middle Lessons

Environment: Should our democracy permit the cultivation of genetically modified foods? (FREE) (SPANISH)

ELL/Foreign Lang
Environment: Should our democracy permit the cultivation of genetically modified foods? (FREE) (SPANISH)
Audience: High School (9-12), ELL/Foreign Language
Topic: Current Issues, Foreign Policy, Public Policy
Teaching Strategy: Continuum/Human Graph, Controversial Issues, Cooperative Learning/Small Group Work, Discussion/Deliberation, Problem-Based Learning, Structured Academic Controversy (SAC)
US Constitution: Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X)

Eggs that fight cancer. Cows that produce human breast milk. Corn that is poisonous to insects. Yeast that excretes crude oil. Bananas that vaccinate against diseases such as Hepatitis B and Cholera. These are just some of the possibilities of genetic engineering. But, could genetically modified foods have negative long-term affects on human health and the environment?

This lesson provides students with background information and arguments for and against the cultivating of genetically modified foods. Students are encouraged to deliberate the issue and come to their own conclusions based on evidence and reason.

This comprehensive lesson includes procedures for a successful deliberation, supplemental materials, and student handouts.

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