Soybeans: from ballast to biotech

What is the future of biotechnology?
Create models to understand DNA and the gene transfer process used in biotechnology. Explore questions: Are there harmful side effects of biotechnology? Can biotech solve world hunger? Should GMO foods be labeled? See teacher background →

Lessons

# Knowledge Check

What do you know about Biotechnology? Have students use the Knowledge Check to show what they know about this topic.
Answers: 1: B, 2: E, 3: B, 4: D, 5: D, 6: C, 7: E.

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# DNA and Protein Synthesis

Simulate the steps of protein synthesis using note card models to create “mini-proteins.”

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# Building Proteins Using Blocks

Use the amino acid sequence created in Lesson 2, to build a small protein using Duplo™ or Lego® blocks, simulating secondary protein structure.

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# Recombinant DNA and Pop Beads

Demonstrate how restriction enzymes work to isolate a desirable gene from an organism using pop-beads.

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# The Debate: Take a Point of View

Explore this issue from different points of view to understand a variety of perspectives. Students do research and prepare speeches, position papers and presentations.

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Teacher background

The science of biotechnology has the potential to solve many food security issues, but there are different points of view about the application of this technology.  

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Next gen science standards

Science and engineering practices

  • Developing and using models
  • Engaging in argument from evidence

Crosscutting concepts

  • Structure and function

Disciplinary core ideas/content

  • LS1A Structure and Function
  • LS3A Inheritance of traits
  • LS3B Variations of traits
  • LS4D Biodiversity and humans
  • ETS2 Links among Engineering, technology, science and society
  • ETS2A Interdependence of science, engineering and technology
  • ETS2B Influence of engineering, technology and science on society and the natural world

Curriculum author