Download Town Hall on Genetic Engineering

Town Hall on Genetic Engineering
Names of group members: _____________________________________________________
Today we are traveling 100 years into our future to 2109. Genetic engineering is being used
frequently in America. All egg and sperm are being tested for genetic diseases before the egg is
fertilized and before the pregnancy begins. If a genetic disease is found, parents have a choice to
abort the pregnancy even before it begins. Wealthy and middle-class couples are also able to afford
“designer babies”. That means they are able to pick and choose which genes they want their
children to have: intelligence, athleticism and good looks. There are many pros and cons to this
technology. New Orleans is putting genetic engineering up to a vote: should people be allowed to
use genetic engineering? In your groups create a statement for a town hall meeting. Your statement
should not reflect your OWN opinion. Instead, you will represent the person below – make a
statement including the opinions you think THEY would have.
You are representing: A couple (husband and wife) trying to get pregnant.
Some details about your background: Sickle-cell anemia runs in both families. Both husband
and wife are carriers of the Sickle-cell trait (Dd). They are worried that they may have a baby
with Sickle-cell anemia (dd) and want to create a designer baby who will be normal (DD).
1
GRADING RUBRIC
2
Take a
Position
Does not state a clear
“for” or “against”
position.
Unclear.
Supporting
Detail #1
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #2
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #3
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Reads complete
position to class, but
lacks maturity or does
not speak clearly.
Presentation Shows immaturity,
position is very
difficult to understand
from the reading.
Total Score = ______ % = _______
3
States clearly “for” or
“against” position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly reads groups
position to class.
Shows maturity and
also projects voice
well.
___ x 5 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 5 = ____
Town Hall on Genetic Engineering
Names of group members: _____________________________________________________
Today we are traveling 100 years into our future to 2109. Genetic engineering is being used
frequently in America. All egg and sperm are being tested for genetic diseases before the egg is
fertilized and before the pregnancy begins. If a genetic disease is found, parents have a choice to
abort the pregnancy even before it begins. Wealthy and middle-class couples are also able to afford
“designer babies”. That means they are able to pick and choose which genes they want their
children to have: intelligence, athleticism and good looks. There are many pros and cons to this
technology. New Orleans is putting genetic engineering up to a vote: should people be allowed to
use genetic engineering? In your groups create a statement for a town hall meeting. Your statement
should not reflect your OWN opinion. Instead, you will represent the person below – make a
statement including the opinions you think THEY would have.
You are representing: A genetic engineer.
Some details about your background: You are a genetic engineer trained in this technology.
You understand very clearly how genetic engineering works and have already seen its
successes with families. You love your job.
1
GRADING RUBRIC
2
Take a
Position
Does not state a clear
“for” or “against”
position.
Unclear.
Supporting
Detail #1
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #2
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #3
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Reads complete
position to class, but
lacks maturity or does
not speak clearly.
Presentation Shows immaturity,
position is very
difficult to understand
from the reading.
Total Score = ______ % = _______
3
States clearly “for” or
“against” position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly reads groups
position to class.
Shows maturity and
also projects voice
well.
___ x 5 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 5 = ____
Town Hall on Genetic Engineering
Names of group members: _____________________________________________________
Today we are traveling 100 years into our future to 2109. Genetic engineering is being used
frequently in America. All egg and sperm are being tested for genetic diseases before the egg is
fertilized and before the pregnancy begins. If a genetic disease is found, parents have a choice to
abort the pregnancy even before it begins. Wealthy and middle-class couples are also able to afford
“designer babies”. That means they are able to pick and choose which genes they want their
children to have: intelligence, athleticism and good looks. There are many pros and cons to this
technology. New Orleans is putting genetic engineering up to a vote: should people be allowed to
use genetic engineering? In your groups create a statement for a town hall meeting. Your statement
should not reflect your OWN opinion. Instead, you will represent the person below – make a
statement including the opinions you think THEY would have.
You are representing: A mother of a child with Downs Syndrome.
Some details about your background: As a mother, you love your child with Downs
Syndrome very much. At first you were scared about how to raise her, but you have learned
there are so many joys in raising a child with special needs. You have no regrets and would
never choose genetic engineering to prevent children like yours from being born.
1
GRADING RUBRIC
2
Take a
Position
Does not state a clear
“for” or “against”
position.
Unclear.
Supporting
Detail #1
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #2
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #3
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Reads complete
position to class, but
lacks maturity or does
not speak clearly.
Presentation Shows immaturity,
position is very
difficult to understand
from the reading.
Total Score = ______ % = _______
3
States clearly “for” or
“against” position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly reads groups
position to class.
Shows maturity and
also projects voice
well.
___ x 5 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 5 = ____
Town Hall on Genetic Engineering
Names of group members: _____________________________________________________
Today we are traveling 100 years into our future to 2109. Genetic engineering is being used
frequently in America. All egg and sperm are being tested for genetic diseases before the egg is
fertilized and before the pregnancy begins. If a genetic disease is found, parents have a choice to
abort the pregnancy even before it begins. Wealthy and middle-class couples are also able to afford
“designer babies”. That means they are able to pick and choose which genes they want their
children to have: intelligence, athleticism and good looks. There are many pros and cons to this
technology. New Orleans is putting genetic engineering up to a vote: should people be allowed to
use genetic engineering? In your groups create a statement for a town hall meeting. Your statement
should not reflect your OWN opinion. Instead, you will represent the person below – make a
statement including the opinions you think THEY would have.
You are representing: A man with a disability (born with a spinal problem).
Some details about your background: You were born with a genetic spinal disease that could
have been prevented by genetic engineering. Now that genetic engineering is so popular, there
are not as many people with handicaps! You are one of the only ones! Your handicap is
making it harder and harder to get jobs; you feel discriminated against.
1
GRADING RUBRIC
2
Take a
Position
Does not state a clear
“for” or “against”
position.
Unclear.
Supporting
Detail #1
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #2
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #3
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Reads complete
position to class, but
lacks maturity or does
not speak clearly.
Presentation Shows immaturity,
position is very
difficult to understand
from the reading.
Total Score = ______ % = _______
3
States clearly “for” or
“against” position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly reads groups
position to class.
Shows maturity and
also projects voice
well.
___ x 5 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 5 = ____
Town Hall on Genetic Engineering
Names of group members: _____________________________________________________
Today we are traveling 100 years into our future to 2109. Genetic engineering is being used
frequently in America. All egg and sperm are being tested for genetic diseases before the egg is
fertilized and before the pregnancy begins. If a genetic disease is found, parents have a choice to
abort the pregnancy even before it begins. Wealthy and middle-class couples are also able to afford
“designer babies”. That means they are able to pick and choose which genes they want their
children to have: intelligence, athleticism and good looks. There are many pros and cons to this
technology. New Orleans is putting genetic engineering up to a vote: should people be allowed to
use genetic engineering? In your groups create a statement for a town hall meeting. Your statement
should not reflect your OWN opinion. Instead, you will represent the person below – make a
statement including the opinions you think THEY would have.
You are representing: A child with cystic fibrosis.
Some details about your background: You are 13 years-old and suffering from cystic
fibrosis. Genetic engineering could have stopped you from having the disease. Every day when
you have to take pills before you eat, you wish you had been born with a healthy (DD)
genotype.
1
GRADING RUBRIC
2
Take a
Position
Does not state a clear
“for” or “against”
position.
Unclear.
Supporting
Detail #1
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #2
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #3
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Reads complete
position to class, but
lacks maturity or does
not speak clearly.
Presentation Shows immaturity,
position is very
difficult to understand
from the reading.
Total Score = ______ % = _______
3
States clearly “for” or
“against” position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly reads groups
position to class.
Shows maturity and
also projects voice
well.
___ x 5 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 5 = ____
Town Hall on Genetic Engineering
Names of group members: _____________________________________________________
Today we are traveling 100 years into our future to 2109. Genetic engineering is being used
frequently in America. All egg and sperm are being tested for genetic diseases before the egg is
fertilized and before the pregnancy begins. If a genetic disease is found, parents have a choice to
abort the pregnancy even before it begins. Wealthy and middle-class couples are also able to afford
“designer babies”. That means they are able to pick and choose which genes they want their
children to have: intelligence, athleticism and good looks. There are many pros and cons to this
technology. New Orleans is putting genetic engineering up to a vote: should people be allowed to
use genetic engineering? In your groups create a statement for a town hall meeting. Your statement
should not reflect your OWN opinion. Instead, you will represent the person below – make a
statement including the opinions you think THEY would have.
You are representing: A priest.
Some details about your background: You are a Christian priest and you worry that genetic
engineering is like “playing God”. You feel like only God can create our DNA; humans should
not change His design in any way – even if it means saving a life.
1
GRADING RUBRIC
2
Take a
Position
Does not state a clear
“for” or “against”
position.
Unclear.
Supporting
Detail #1
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #2
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #3
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Reads complete
position to class, but
lacks maturity or does
not speak clearly.
Presentation Shows immaturity,
position is very
difficult to understand
from the reading.
Total Score = ______ % = _______
3
States clearly “for” or
“against” position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly reads groups
position to class.
Shows maturity and
also projects voice
well.
___ x 5 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 5 = ____
Town Hall on Genetic Engineering
Names of group members: _____________________________________________________
Today we are traveling 100 years into our future to 2109. Genetic engineering is being used
frequently in America. All egg and sperm are being tested for genetic diseases before the egg is
fertilized and before the pregnancy begins. If a genetic disease is found, parents have a choice to
abort the pregnancy even before it begins. Wealthy and middle-class couples are also able to afford
“designer babies”. That means they are able to pick and choose which genes they want their
children to have: intelligence, athleticism and good looks. There are many pros and cons to this
technology. New Orleans is putting genetic engineering up to a vote: should people be allowed to
use genetic engineering? In your groups create a statement for a town hall meeting. Your statement
should not reflect your OWN opinion. Instead, you will represent the person below – make a
statement including the opinions you think THEY would have.
You are representing: A 40 year-old single woman who would like to have a baby.
Some details about your background: You are 40 years-old and you never married or had a
child. Now you want to raise a family and you are planning on getting sperm from a sperm
donor. You cannot be sure that the man whose sperm you are getting is going to have a genetic
disease! If you are going to spend thousands of dollars on this procedure and have a child, you
want it to be perfect. You want genetic engineering to create a perfect child for you.
1
GRADING RUBRIC
2
Take a
Position
Does not state a clear
“for” or “against”
position.
Unclear.
Supporting
Detail #1
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #2
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #3
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Reads complete
position to class, but
lacks maturity or does
not speak clearly.
Presentation Shows immaturity,
position is very
difficult to understand
from the reading.
Total Score = ______ % = _______
3
States clearly “for” or
“against” position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly reads groups
position to class.
Shows maturity and
also projects voice
well.
___ x 5 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 5 = ____
Town Hall on Genetic Engineering
Names of group members: _____________________________________________________
Today we are traveling 100 years into our future to 2109. Genetic engineering is being used
frequently in America. All egg and sperm are being tested for genetic diseases before the egg is
fertilized and before the pregnancy begins. If a genetic disease is found, parents have a choice to
abort the pregnancy even before it begins. Wealthy and middle-class couples are also able to afford
“designer babies”. That means they are able to pick and choose which genes they want their
children to have: intelligence, athleticism and good looks. There are many pros and cons to this
technology. New Orleans is putting genetic engineering up to a vote: should people be allowed to
use genetic engineering? In your groups create a statement for a town hall meeting. Your statement
should not reflect your OWN opinion. Instead, you will represent the person below – make a
statement including the opinions you think THEY would have.
You are representing: A lower-class, single mother.
Some details about your background: You just gave birth to your first child two months ago.
You wanted to genetically engineer your child to ensure that he would be disease-free,
intelligent, and strong, but could not afford it. You’re worried that if genetic engineering is not
made illegal, the rich will use it to get smarter, stronger, and richer, while poor people like
yourself – and your son! – will be left behind.
1
GRADING RUBRIC
2
Take a
Position
Does not state a clear
“for” or “against”
position.
Unclear.
Supporting
Detail #1
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #2
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Supporting
Detail #3
Does not exist. No
support for position.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Support for the
position is unclear,
too short, or
incomplete sentences.
Reads complete
position to class, but
lacks maturity or does
not speak clearly.
Presentation Shows immaturity,
position is very
difficult to understand
from the reading.
Total Score = ______ % = _______
3
States clearly “for” or
“against” position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly, in complete
sentences, describes
support for the
position.
Clearly reads groups
position to class.
Shows maturity and
also projects voice
well.
___ x 5 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 8 = ____
___ x 5 = ____