IO Project

Resource

Non-Profit Group in California
Advocates safe and ethical uses of genetic technologies. Appears to be on the 'con' side.
Contains press releases on GE (germline engineering), cloning, etc.
Explains the basic science of procedures.
Many good pro/con arguments are here.

Resource

Germline Engineering Overview - UCLA

Scientific Background Page.
Outlines the science of GE, somatic gene therapy, cloning, genotype vs. phenotype, & mutation.

Resource

How Reprogenetics Will Transform the American Family

Article by Lee Silver.
Ethical considerations of the familial effects of reprogenetics. Draws parallels between this movement and the eugenics movement. Recommendations for limits of this technology.

Resource

Human Germline Engineering

UCLA site
Organized into 3 sections: "Best Hope or Worst Fear?", "Questions", & "Dialogue and Reflections"
Lots of expert knowledge here, with video, audio, and text components.
Many ethical issues are framed.

Resource

The Prospects for Human Germline Engineering

Article by Gregory Stock.
Argues the question is not IF, but WHEN and HOW.
Outlines 4 areas of science and technology that have affected the development of GE.
Info on different technical approaches - generates a need to understand biological principles behind this technology (possible article for students to read?)

Resource

American Journal of Bioethics - bioethics.net

Links to news articles related to many bioethical issues(may require a subscription). Incl. searchable news database.

Abstracts of journal articles are free, articles themselves require a subscription.

'Features' section offers online resources to bioethics related materials. Good ones (so far) incl. 'Bioethics for Beginners' & 'Bioethics Knowledge Tool'

Resource

Clonaid Website

Clonaid, the Raelians' company devoted to the attempt to clone a human being. Their goal is to "offer reproductive human cloning on a worldwide basis to infertile couples, homosexual couples, people infected with the HIV virus as well as to families who lost a beloved family member. Additionally, CLONAID™ is offering a range of services such as INSURACLONE™, OVULAID™ and CLONAPET™, and creating personal stem cells."

Resource

Cloning Fact Sheet

What and Why of cloning

Incl. links to more information

Resource

Cracking the Code of Life - Companion Site

Site includes lots of information resources and links.
Includes teacher/classroom resources too.

Resource

Cracking the Code of Life - Video

PBS - Nova Online
Watch the show (16 Chapters) online in QuickTime and Real Video formats. 2001. approx. 102min
Hosted by Robert Krulwich

Resource

DNA From the Beginning

Explains concepts in classical genetics, molecular genetics, & organization and control of genes.

Includes scientific visualizations, audio/video interviews with key players, & problems that students can work through

Resource

Gene Stories - Who am I?

UK site (BBC).
Provides a good intro of genetic principles, sci & tech developments, and ethical considerations.
Might be a good webquest?

Resource

Genetic Science Learning Center - University of Utah

Basics and Beyond of DNA
Genetic Disorders - how are they caused?
Hands on Activities
Cloning Information - what is it really? how can it be used?
Stem Cells - biology & uses in medicine
Genetic Testing of Newborns
RNA roles - interactive online introduction

Resource

Genetics Education Center

Many links to sites about genetics.
Incl. Cloning, Human Genome Project, Lesson Plans, Activities, Ethical Issues

Resource

High School Bioethics University of Pennsylvania

Resources for bioethical issues including cloning, genetic engineering, GMO's, Stem Cell Research, etc.

Incl. online discussion forums

Resource

Introduction to DNA Structure

University of Arizona - Biology Learning Center

Text and 3-D gif's of DNA structure.

Resource

National Human Genome Research Institute

Incl. resources for students, teachers, & public.

Introduction to the Human Genome Project
Teaching Tools
Glossary of Genetic Terms
Human Genetic Variation
Fact Sheets - concepts, research techniques, issues
Online Resources

Resource

The Human Genome! by top cartoonists

Funny cartoons...

Raises some very real issues and concerns about genetic engineering

Resource

Toward Behavioural Genomics

Article by Peter McGuffin, Brien Riley, Robert Plomin.

Science magazine article that explains how the human genome project can lead to a more thorough understanding of how genes and behaviour are related.

Task

Reprogenetics: Answering the SARS Epidemic Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness that has recently been reported in Asia, North America, and Europe. Is there something with this new disease that we could work into a possible task?
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Task

Redesigning Humans: The Next Generation

The year is 2050, and World Space Agency has placed an open call for bids to submit designs for creating a 'new race' of humans. These new humans will be required to spend their lives in outer space aboard space vessels.

You have been studying reprogenetics and you and a number of your classmates decide to form a for profit company to submit a proposal to the World Space Agency. You will need to find a molecular geneticist, an evolutionary biologist, an ecologist/anthropologist, and a lawyer/ethicist specializing in bioethical law.

Your team will be responsible for creating a design and presenting the design to the Board of Directors of the World Space Agency.

The purpose of the presentation is to demonstrate the robustness of your design, the completeness of your research and the integrity of your company.

Processes for your project:

1. Determine what kinds of information would assist your team in making the best possible selection. The following areas should be considered:
- describe the structure of the nervous system
- explain how the nervous system functions to allow the human organism to maintain internal equilibrium among its sytems.
- explain how the nervous system helps the human organism to interact and maintain equilibrium with the external environment.
- describe the structure of the hormonal control system
- explain how the hormonal system functions to allow the human organism to maintain internal equilibrium among its systems while simultaneously interacting and maintaining equilbrium with the external envrionment.
- explain the role of selected hormones in metabolism and homeostasis
- describe mitosis and the cell cycle
- describe the cell cycle as it relates to cloning
- describe how to you might prevent the suppression of aging
- explain how to prevent cells from entering G0 so that they can continuously replace themselves eg. nerve cells compare mitosis with meiosis
- explain the significance to a species of chromosome number reduction and crossing over during meiosis.
- describe gametogenesis, fertilization, fetal development and reproductive technologies in humans.
- describe the anatomy and physiology of single neurons in relation to the initiation, formation and transmission of electrochemical impulses.
- explain how sensory receptors, such as the eye and ear, act as energy converters
- describe the anatomy of human reproductive systems
- explain the hormonal control and maintenance of reproductive systems in adults
- explain heredity
- describe direct and indirect evidence for chromosomes, genes, alleles and the influence of crossing over and sex chromosomes
- explain the role of this evidence in formulating the principles of inheritance
- explain, using a genetic map, which chromosome codes produce favorable traits for your subjects. Describe how you will use this information to make genetic alterations
explain the molecular basis of inheritance by describing DNA structure, expression and mutation
- explain the significance of genomes to species and the influence of biotechnology on genes and genomes
- explain the significance of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium to gene pools and the significance of gene pool change over time

2. Determine how this information would be best organized.
3. Establish a project management schedule for your group.
4. Establish the criteria that will be used to decide the value of the sources you find.
5. Survey as wide a variety of sources as possible. Include electronic sources.
6. Keep a research log in which you record all sources found. Keep careful records of the sources of ideas as these must be acknowledged in your final product.
7. Select and/or create appropriate visuals, animations, and simulations to include in your final presentation.

8. The presentation will outline the physiological characteristics which would allow the proposed new race to thrive and grow.

9. Your team will have to spend a considerable amount of time and effort establishing the perfect prerequisites which will ensure the design's success. You will also have to ensure that the survival of this 'new race' can be sustained in future generations.

10. Throughout your presentation you will be expected to provide details about the various systems in the body and their functions in maintaining equilibrium among internal systems and equilibrium with the external environment.
Ensure that within your presentation you include gene maps, pedigrees, punnett squares and the technology used must be described in detail.

11. The presentation will have to provide evidence that you have gathered data from the world's data banks, carefully analyzed the information available to you from these and formulated your design for this 'new race' based on the best information available to you.

12. Your team will also have to provide evidence and justification for the choices that you have been made.
It will be important that the Board of Directors of the World Space Agency understand the implications of your proposal.

13. Your group should strongly consider a multifacted presentation which includes the use of graphs, charts, images, simulations as well as text to make your case.

14. The following questions will guide your design:

What genes will you choose to alter and why?

How will each gene that you alter affect these individuals?
- Consider effects on the overall phenotype of the individual, including how the gene in question behaves in relation to other genes.
- Consider how these changes will affect how this individual functions in both the physical and behavioural/social environments.

15. What are the ethical implications for creating this new human? What kinds of legislation will you have to adhere to in your design (use current legislation as well as pending, since this task is set in the future). Address any gaps you feel are present in the legislation in your final report.

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Task

Science News: Reprogenetics

With news of the death of Dolly the cloned sheep, cloning and related reproductive technologies have again become matters that the public is interested in. There is a new field of genetic engineering, called reprogenetics (or germline engineering) that is showing promise of being the next big piece of news for journalists.

You are a science writer who has been commissioned by your local news team to do a piece on this new field of reprogenetics. The news team feels that this could be the 'next big thing' and wants to take the lead in reporting on this issue.

(The news team could be print or television news... I'm not sure what kind of technologies you have at your disposal for student work... if TV, think about video, you could also consider an online publication)

Your science editorial will include an overview of the technology itself, explaining the procedures involved, in a way that is accessible to the general public.

Your editorial will include benefits and drawbacks for using this technology to alter the genetic makeup of our offspring. Answer the question of: "Should we be allowed to alter the genetic makeup of our offspring?"

Conduct research on the technologies involved in these procedures. Also look at various interest groups beliefs regarding the widespread use of technologies. You may use both digital and print resources for your research. As part of your news piece, you must include a list of references where you found information, visuals, etc.

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Task 1: Science News: Reprogenetics

	1	2	3	4
Explanation of methods used in reprogenetic technologies	No methods are given.	Methods involved in reprogenetics are explained but are vague OR do not make sense to a general audience.	Methods are explained, which are mostly clear, but sometimes are confusing OR sometimes do not target a general audience.	Methods are explained in a clear and consise manner and are always mindful of the target audience.
Analysis of benefits and drawbacks to reprogenetic technologies	Little or no analysis of the effects of using reprogenetic technologies in humans is given.	Analysis or the effects of using reprogenetic technologies shows a limited understanding of the issues at stake and/or the potential benefits and drawbacks of using these technologies.	Analysis of the effects of using reprogenetic technologies shows an understanding of the issues at stake. Some details or relavent viewpoints are missing or are poorly explained.	A thourough analysis of the effects of using reprogenetic technologies is shown throughout the presentation. Alternative viewpoints regarding the benefits and drawbacks are reported accurately and without bias.
Use of media in presentation	Little to no use of media is shown.	Visual and text media are used, but do not aid in enhancing understanding of the concepts discussed.	Visual and text media are used that enhance understanding of the concepts discussed, with occasional areas of confusion.	Use of visual and text media enhances audience understanding of the concepts shown at all times.
Evidence of research	No evidence of research of relevant sources is shown.	Some evidence of research is apparent. Research is limited in scope OR does not address multiple viewpoints.	Evidence of research is apparent which addresses multiple viewpoints. Research is occasionally suspect as to it's relevance or validity, OR fails to draw any conclusions.	Research is gathered from a variety of reputable sources, which is made apparent throughout the news piece. Insightful conclusions are drawn in light of the various viewpoints.

Task 2: Redesigning Humans: The Next Generation

	1	2	3	4
Gene selection (note: if fewer than 3 genes are discussed, criterion is dropped by one value)	Selection of genes offers no explanation.	Genes selected for alteration offer an explanation that is vague or largeley irrelevant.	A rationale for gene selection is provided. Explanations are sometimes unclear or do not confer an advantage to the individual or population.	Rationales for gene selection are expertly explained. Explanations for advantages are explained thoroughly.
Explanation of genotypic and phenotypic effects on the organism	Genotypic and phenotypic effects are absent or are largely innacurate.	Genotypic and phenotypic effects of the altered genes are given which are limited in scope or leave large areas unexplained	Genotypic and phenotypic effects are explaied. A few key details are missing or are poorly explained.	Genotypic and phenotypic effects are expertly explaied. Insightful comments are made regarding genotypic and phenotypic effects.
Explanation of population effects of gene modification: physical, behavoural/social environment interaction.	Population effects are not explained or are largely innacurate.	Population effects are given which are limited in scope or leave large areas unexplained.	Population effects are explained. A few key details are missing or are poorly explained.	Population effects are expertly explained. Insightful comments are made about how gene alterations will translate to the level of the population.
Ethical implications	Little or no evidence of the ethical ramifications of the group's work is given.	Ethical considerations are made regarding the use of reprogenetic technologies in their work. Many relevant stakeholders positions are absent or are poorly accounted for.	Ethical considerations are made which account for most stakeholders positions. Some occasional oversights are made.	Ethical considerations are made which take into account all relevant stakeholders positions.
Use of scientific language	Little or no scientific terminology is used in the report.	Scientific terminology is used but is often used incorrectly OR detract from communication of ideas.	Scientific terminology is used. Sometimes terms are used incorrectly OR occasionally detract from communication of ideas.	Scientific terminology is used correctly at all times and in ways that aid in the overall communication of ideas.