Bringing Biotech to Life

An Educational Resource for Grades 7-10

Projects

Full Unit

Includes Lessons 1-8 &
Final Project (16mb PDF)

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Brought to you by The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture in partnership with the International Food Information Council Foundation.

One: What is DNA?

1 hour

Students will be able to:

  • Identify the primary components in a DNA structure.
  • Describe the role of DNA in trait inheritance.

Two: How can we Examine DNA?

1 hour

Students will be able to:

  • Extract DNA from common fruits / vegetables.

Three: What is Selective Breeding?

1 hour

Students will be able to:

  • Define selective breeding.
  • Describe how selective breeding changes a population over time.

Four: What is Biotechnology?

1 hour

Students will be able to:

  • Define biotechnology.
  • Identify how biotechnology can help the environment.
  • Identify how biotechnology can improve our food supply.

Five: How is Biotechnology Used?

1 hour

Students will be able to:

  • Identify specific ways biotechnology can improve food nutrition, safety, and quality.
  • Identify specific ways biotechnology supports social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
  • Identify specific ways biotechnology helps to meet the increasing needs of the world’s growing population.

Six: How do Researchers Compare Data?

1 hour

Students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the gel electrophoresis process.

Seven: Where Would we be Without “GMOs”?

1 hour

Students will be able to:

  • Describe how crops are genetically modified.

Eight: Where is Biotechnology Headed?

1 hour

Students will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast gene editing and genetic engineering.

Final Project

1 hour

Students will be able to:

  • Distinguish between fact and opinion.
  • Use a credibility checklist tool to evaluate online media.
  • Analyze information gathered or provided and categorize it as fact or opinion.
  • Form an opinion on biotechnology, genetic engineering, and labeling foods from genetically engineered ingredients using the information gathered.
  • Write an essay expressing their opinions using correct form, grammar, and spelling.