MODULE 1
Objective 1.1 Lesson D
Why are Current Science Events Important to Me?
Teaching Students Value and Relevance of Everyday News
Course
Advanced
Biotechnology
Unit
Biotechnology
Basics
Essential
Question
Why do I need
to worry about
current events in
science?
TEKS
2A, 3A, 3B, 3C,
3D, 3E, 3F, 4A,
13A, 13C
TAKS
Obj 1 3A, 3B
Prior Student
Learning
None
Estimated Time
1 hour
Rationale
Current events as part of an overall curricular goal can be an important
complement to what is being taught in the classroom. A well-structured
program will nurture an educated citizenry capable of making informed,
intelligent decisions. Discussions of current events permit meaningful
discussions about ethics, the role of science in society and the importance of
examining all sides of an issue.
Objectives
Students will:
 Use search engines, databases and other digital electronic tools
effectively to locate current biotechnology news.
 Collaborate with peers to discuss scientific findings.
Engage
 Students will be asked to vote on several bioethics items.
 Students will realize that they are not informed enough about the
issues to vote on them.
Activity
1. Hold a mock vote to generate discussion amoung students in the value
of being scientifically literate using the Voting Ballot for
Biotechnology handout.
2. Students complete current event assignment: Website Evaluation
Form and Current Event Grading Rubric.
3. Students share their assignment in small groups: Current Events
Team Meeting Rubric.
Assessment:
 Current Events Grading Rubric
 Current Events Team Meeting Rubric
 Testing of materials on chosen topics
Materials:
 Computer Access
 Library Resources (science databases)
 Grading Rubrics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights reserved.
Reserved.
Accommodations for Learning Differences
 Visit the Special Populations sections of the CTE Career and
Technical Education Website: http://cte.unt.edu/special-pops
National and State Education Standards
Texas College and Career Readiness Standards
Science Standards
I. A1, A2, A3, A4, C1, D1, E1, E2
III. A1, B1, C1, D1, D2
IV. A1, B1, B2
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2012. All rights reserved.
Reserved.
Name :____________________________
Voting Ballot for Biotechnology
Would you vote yes or no for these statements to become law?
YES
All newborn children will be genetically screened for sickle cell, PKU,
and cystic fibrosis. Only the newborn’s mother, father and/or legal
guardian may have access to test results.
25 million dollars of taxpayers’ money will be dedicated to further
research on cloning of organs and body parts for medical purposes to
help improve the lives of millions of people.
All genetically modified cows (either for higher milk production or
higher meat output) are banned in California.
Hospitals would like to give the breast cancer gene test to every
patient. Insurance agencies would like to have free access to these test
results, saying it will lower the cost for them and for their customers.
The government would like to DNA fingerprint all babies born after
2013.
A genetic test has been discovered that can show if a person has a
strong risk of heart disease due to high cholesterol levels. The genetic
test can be given to a newborn baby and is over 95% accurate. The test,
however, can only be performed by a private company and costs over
$5,000. Insurance companies should be able to refuse to cover the test
due to high costs.
Is there additional information you would like to know before casting your vote?
If yes, please list:
Where could you find this information?
NO
Name:____________________________________________
WEB SITE EVALUATION FORM
1. Is it student-friendly? ____ YES ____ NO
2. Is it related to your unit of study and relevant to what you are researching?
____ YES ____ NO
3. Does the screen load in a reasonable amount of time? ____ YES ____ NO
4. Is the site free of advertisement banners and pop-ups? ____ YES ____ NO
5. Do most of the links you try work? ____ YES ____ NO
6. Do you feel comfortable and confident getting around the site? ____ YES ____ NO
If you've answered no - look elsewhere. The Internet is loaded with student-friendly, information-packed sites.
You may not want to deal with slow-loading sites. Other sites may be easier for you to navigate because they
include site maps on the home page. Banner advertisements may confuse and distract you. Continue your search
to find a site that works for you.
WEB ASSESSMENT
Once you have found a site that you like spend some time at the site to determine the following:
1. Site URL: _____________________________________________________________
2. Site Title: ______________________________________________________________
3. What did you find useful about this site? __________________________________________________________
4. Does the data appear to be up to date and correct? __Yes __No __Can‘t tell
5. Are there any links that may get students lost or confused? __Yes __No __Maybe
6. Must you log in or use a password? __Yes __No __Can’t tell
7. Were you asked any personal information? __Yes __No __Can’t tell
8. Is the site an .org, .gov or.edu? __________
9. When was the last time the site was updated? _______________________
10. What organization and/or individual created this website? _______________________
11. What is the purpose of this site? __________________________________________
Current Event Grading Rubric
NAME: ______________________________________
Criteria
Maximum of 5
Points
A Website evaluation form was completed (all blanks must be filled in)
and the source is current and reliable (.org, .gov or .edu).
The paragraph is neatly presented (typed), the article is attached to the
paragraph and the subject matter is appropriate.
Student has an organized, thoughtful essay with a minimum of 10
sentences.
Student’s work reflects appropriate attention to grammar, spelling,
capitalization and punctuation.
TOTAL POINTS
Current Event Grading Rubric
NAME: ______________________________________
Criteria
A Website evaluation form was completed (all blanks must be filled in)
and the source is current and reliable (.org, .gov or .edu).
The paragraph is neatly presented (typed), the article is attached to the
paragraph and the subject matter is appropriate.
Student has an organized, thoughtful essay with a minimum of 10
sentences.
Student’s work reflects appropriate attention to grammar, spelling,
capitalization and punctuation.
TOTAL POINTS
Maximum of 5
Points
Team Meeting Rubric
Team Meeting A(18-20
B (16-17
C (14-15
Points)
Points)
Points)
Attends
meetings
Attends
meetings
Attends meetings
Frequency
regularly and always regularly and usually regularly and
and Quality
contributes to the
contributes to the
sometimes
discussions*
discussions*
contributes to the
discussions*
D/F
Attends meetings but
rarely or never
contributes to the
discussions*
*Student raises thoughtful questions, analyzes issues, builds on others ideas,
appropriately challenges others assumptions.
Group Member Name: ___________________________________ Score:____________________
Group Member Name: ___________________________________ Score:____________________
Group Member Name: ___________________________________ Score:____________________
Group Member Name: ___________________________________ Score:____________________
Comments: