GMO Debate Preparation
Adapted from the NY Times
Introduction
The NY Times tells us that, “Over 50 countries and the state of Vermont require that genetically modified organisms, or G.M.O.’s, are labeled. More than 20 other states are considering similar laws. But what’s the fuss? G.M.O. ingredients are already in most pantries and refrigerators in the United States — in the form of canola oil, corn cereals, soy products and refined sugar. Are these genetically modified plants a threat to human health and natural ecosystems? Or are they a biotech solution to crop blight and other diverse problems? “
How does this affect me?
The debate concerns something very personal to each of us: what we and our children are eating. And whether you realize it or not, you've been consuming GM foods for some time. GM ingredients, in the form of modified enzymes, are found in virtually all breads, cheeses, sodas, and beers, and farmers have been raising GM food crops such as corn, soybeans, and potatoes since the mid-1990s.
GM crop farming is expanding rapidly around the world. Global acreage of GM crops has risen 25-fold in just four years, from approximately 4.3 million acres in 1996 to about 100 million acres in 1999.
It's too early to know which of the aids or ills foreseen for GM foods will materialize. In the meantime, GM technology raises thorny questions of science, ethics, law, and economics that need to be thoroughly debated. (Harvest of Fear)
What are the consequences, both intended and unintended, related to the use of GMO’s?
The topic of genetically modified organisms elicits opposing reactions from different groups. Some are excited by new scientific discoveries, increased agricultural efficiency and expanded profits. Others are angry about potential health risks and a range of possible threats to the environment, including increased pesticide use, which can endanger insects like the monarch butterfly.
Some Basic Questions to Consider before we get started
Thursday morning, we will have a debate-style discussion about GMO’s.
PART I- DEBATE (25 Minutes)
PART II- SOCRATIC SEMINAR (25 minutes)
The NY Times tells us that, “Over 50 countries and the state of Vermont require that genetically modified organisms, or G.M.O.’s, are labeled. More than 20 other states are considering similar laws. But what’s the fuss? G.M.O. ingredients are already in most pantries and refrigerators in the United States — in the form of canola oil, corn cereals, soy products and refined sugar. Are these genetically modified plants a threat to human health and natural ecosystems? Or are they a biotech solution to crop blight and other diverse problems? “
How does this affect me?
The debate concerns something very personal to each of us: what we and our children are eating. And whether you realize it or not, you've been consuming GM foods for some time. GM ingredients, in the form of modified enzymes, are found in virtually all breads, cheeses, sodas, and beers, and farmers have been raising GM food crops such as corn, soybeans, and potatoes since the mid-1990s.
GM crop farming is expanding rapidly around the world. Global acreage of GM crops has risen 25-fold in just four years, from approximately 4.3 million acres in 1996 to about 100 million acres in 1999.
It's too early to know which of the aids or ills foreseen for GM foods will materialize. In the meantime, GM technology raises thorny questions of science, ethics, law, and economics that need to be thoroughly debated. (Harvest of Fear)
What are the consequences, both intended and unintended, related to the use of GMO’s?
The topic of genetically modified organisms elicits opposing reactions from different groups. Some are excited by new scientific discoveries, increased agricultural efficiency and expanded profits. Others are angry about potential health risks and a range of possible threats to the environment, including increased pesticide use, which can endanger insects like the monarch butterfly.
Some Basic Questions to Consider before we get started
- What is a genetically modified organism?
- Why have some agricultural biotechnology companies developed genetically modified crops?
- What is the difference between genetically modified organisms and organisms developed through selective breeding?
Thursday morning, we will have a debate-style discussion about GMO’s.
- You will be assigned a team - either pro or con GMO’s
- TONIGHT and TOMORROW NIGHT...you will conduct research using our website www.citizenfood.weebly.com and other provided articles in order to come up with strong points for your argument using supporting evidence.
- Your team will have two team leaders
- Two team leaders: You will serve as the facilitators, coordinators and organizers of your group, speaking on behalf of your group and designating others to speak for your group, when appropriate.
- Other team-members: You will need to take notes as the other group is speaking in order to help support your team’s argument.
PART I- DEBATE (25 Minutes)
- Speaker for the proposition (3 minute summary of your group’s argument using supporting evidence)
- Speaker for the opposition (3 minute summary of your group’s argument using supporting evidence)
- 3 Minutes- Groups huddle to discuss responses/rebuttal to the PRO and OPPOSING groups.
- Rebuttals (5 minutes each)
- One-to-One discussion-Students bring up new topics and take turns responding to each other.
- Essential Question Mix-Up: Be prepared for teachers to interrupt and pose essential questions to groups- groups huddle and respond one at a time.
- Closing arguments (3 minutes)
PART II- SOCRATIC SEMINAR (25 minutes)
- Now that you have heard these viewpoints, we will open up the discussion to a whole-class socratic seminar style conversation. Each student has a chance to speak at this point. You will share your opinion based on what you have read & heard about GMO’s.
For the GMO Debate, you will be rated according to the following Outcome Targets: