Students construct paper recombinant plasmids to simulate the methods genetic engineers use to create modified bacteria. They learn what role enzymes, DNA and genes play in the modification of organisms. For the particular model they work on, they isolate a mammal insulin gene and combine it with a bacteria's gene sequence (plasmid DNA) for production of the protein insulin.

This is the culminating lesson for Battle of the Seeds. In this lesson, students will evaluate the effectiveness of different types of weed control (none, manual and chemical) and different types of seed (genetically modified and non-genetically modified). They will then utilize the information from this lab to perform a cost-analysis and determine which type of seed and weed control gives the best outcome financially.

Before the Plate (1 hr 30 min) attempts to close the gap in perception between the urban consumer and farming in Canada. Modern consumers are increasingly interested in where and how their food gets to them, but accurate information isn’t always easy to come by and often feels out of reach. Before the Plate follows young farmers and industry experts in order to show the general population what a modern Canadian farm operation looks like, and answer the most pressing questions consumers have about their food.

Have you seen the Before the Plate documentary? Are you wanting to use it as a resource in your classroom? We have developed a comprehensive, curriculum-linked Documentary Viewing Guide for Grades 9-12 students that meets learning outcomes in Science, Social Studies, Health, Careers, PAA and more! Make sure you download the Before the Plate - Teacher Guide first to access the documentary, answer key, and for more information on the resource!

I created this assessment to end our genetics unit. This assessment allowed students to apply the knowledge they had gained throughout the unit. It connects to the 21st Century C's by encouraging critical thinking (for example one student further investigated her own colourblindess), it encouraged development of literacy skills as the students researched complex disorders on their own and provided a framework for communication and technology skills through the presentation. I presented this assessment using a Still Alice hook - "If your mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's would you take the test". I think this encouraged students to select a disorder/genetic issue based on their own interests and perhaps a genetic disorder in their family. Allowing the students to also use pharmaceutical and agriculture genetic cases created a broader focus enhancing the diversity of presentations.

Established Goals:

Students will…..

Foundational Learning Objective 3.2 (discussing examples of current uses of DNA in agriculture and pharmaceutical industries)

Foundational Learning Objective 2.9 (Discuss several human genetic disorders)

Foundational Learning Objective 3.3 (discuss the techniques of genetic screening).

This lesson will expose students to the history and social studies aspects of the Green Revolution and its founder, while helping students gain reading and writing skills.

Technology is revolutionizing farming. That's great news—by the year 2050 Earth's population will be 10 billion, so we need to almost double the amount of fo...

GM stands for genetically modified. So, GM crops are plants grown for food whose genes have been altered using genetic engineering. In some cases, the genes of other organisms have been inserted into the genome of the crop plant to improve it in some way. As the human population increases, there is a higher demand for food, and it is often difficult to grow enough food to provide everyone with a balanced diet. Growing GM crops is a partial solution to this problem because GM crops tend to have higher yields than conventional crops.
This video explains GM crops and outlines the pros and cons of production.

"Skeptical about GMOs? We understand. We are here to answer your questions. More than 200 experts have contributed to this site including independent experts in leading academic institutions, industry groups and representatives from member companies."

Students will explore hybridization, selective breeding and genetic Physical Science through a jigsaw approach. Then they will go through a series of articles that help them formulate their own opinions about genetic manipulation. Lastly, they will debate the merits of genetic manipulation as a class.

Students learn how engineers apply their understanding of DNA to manipulate specific genes to produce desired traits, and how engineers have used this practice to address current problems facing humanity. They learn what genetic engineering means and examples of its applications, as well as moral and ethical problems related to its implementation. Students fill out a flow chart to list the methods to modify genes to create GMOs and example applications of bacteria, plant and animal GMOs.

SnapAG is a series of resources that invite students to explore the hot topics affecting the agriculture industry today. Topics range from organics, biotechnology, GMOs, livestock, careers and more.

"Canadians have more choices and pay some of the lowest prices in the world for FOOD — thanks in part to the plant science technologies farmers use, from pesticides to plant biotechnology."

Use this resource to learn more about food.