Gene Therapy Research Project

Using the starter materials provided with the Gene Therapy powerpoint, research your assigned topic and produce your own blog post.  It should be factual and clearly written and use a variety of images/videos/text etc to provide information for the class on your section.  You will present your post to the class as a short oral presentation.  You are required to research and provide answers to questions left in your post comments within one week of the submission date.  Check the rubric provided for the criteria by which your research presentation will be assessed.  If you find other interesting articles, videos etc that are relevant to the general topic during your research, please add the URL to the "Bits and Pieces" post for others to find.  Remember to sign your post with your full initials and to follow the rules of the blog.  Enjoy!

Gene Therapy Bits and Pieces Store

If you find something good during your searches, please add it here by editing this post.  You could include images, video clips, websites, references to research articles and more.  Just make sure it is of high quality and suitable for use as a source - no rubbish!

(Image from a Nature Biotechnology article:

Gene therapy finds its niche  

Cormac Sheridan Nature Biotechnology 29, 121-128 (2011) doi:10.1038/nbt.1769)

_______________________________________________________________________

Gene Therapy Gets Blue Light - Cosmos Magazine article, October 2012 - the future for Gene Therapy??  http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/news/6038/gene-therapy-gets-blue-light

Stimulus 1 ABC News media clip

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xQWSgXgfl4

Click the image above to view the short media clip, and think about your opinions of what you observe.

Stimulus 2 BBC Documentary

http://www.documentarytube.com/videos/jimmys-gm-food-fight

For the purposes of your initial blogging task, the first 8 to 10 minutes is sufficient.
If you can make the time, watch the remaining ~50 minutes at home.  Even if you're short on time, the last 10 minutes is also well worth it.

As you watch, think about the risks, benefits and complex issues surrounding genetic modification of foods.  Jot down a few notes if you like, start formulating your opinions.   If you have a strongly held opinion already, think about WHY - in terms of evidence.

Genetically Modified Food Project: Content and Scope for Stage 6 Biology

The pros and cons of using genetic engineering on food crops is a huge topic, not possible to cover completely here.
We are investigating a relatively small area to meet and exceed the requirements of the Board of Studies Stage 6 Biology Syllabus
The Board of Studies Stage 6 Biology Syllabus aims to:

• Foster the intellectual, social and moral development of students
• Develop knowledge, understanding and attitudes in the field of biology
• Encourage the desire for continued learning after school
• Assess the complex relationship between evidence and ideas and the impact of science on society.

The Syllabus includes Prescribed Focus Areas, related to the topic content as follows:
History of Biology  - From Mendelian genetics and traditional plant breeding techniques to genetic manipulation, growth in knowledge and technical understanding has changed with time.
Nature and Practice of Biology - The process and methods of exploring, generating, testing and relating ideas.
Applications and uses of biology - Development of useful technologies and systems with particular emphasis on Australian achievements.
Implications of biology for society and the environment - Skills in decision making about issues concerning society and the enviroment, and development of awareness of the social and environmental responsibility of a scientist.
Current issues, research and developments in biology - knowledge of areas of research and assessment of media reporting on aspects of biology.

Work on the blog will also address some of the content requirements of the Syllabus, most specifically the topics 9.3 Blueprint of Life and 9.6 - Option Biotechnology.

Being challenged to discuss controversial scientific topics with your class will help you develop your critical thinking skills. The ability to make a reasoned argument is very important for scientists, indeed everyone!

Have fun exploring these complex issues - remember it's OK to change your mind, as long as you can explain why!