Lesson Plan
Course Title: Concepts of Engineering and Technology
Session Title: How Biotechnology Has Affected My Life
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this lesson you will have demonstrated to the class how biotechnology has
affected yourself or someone you know by creating a PowerPoint presentation to present your
case.
Specific Objectives:
Students will be able to:
 Research your own life and those around you and create a PowerPoint presentation
about how biotechnology has influenced someone’s life.
 Use critical thinking analysis in evaluating the situation and present the information in a
scientific method.
 Prepare a PowerPoint presentation to communicate ideas.
 Show pictures to demonstrate your idea.
 Explain the ethical values/use of the biotechnology based on evidence.
 Show your scientific method for conducting your research.
 Make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving based on
your evidence of the biotechnology whether good or bad.
 Show how you collected your data and the validity of the data.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Concepts of Engineering and Technology:

130.362 (c)(2)(A)
...use clear and concise written, verbal, and visual communication techniques;

130.362 (c)(4)(A)(B)(D)
...describe how technology has affected individuals, societies, cultures, economies, and
environments;
...describe how the development and use of technology influenced past events;
...predict possible changes caused by the advances of technology.

130.362 (c)(5)(A)(B)(C)(E)(G)(H)(I)
...describe and demonstrate how teams function;
…indentify characteristics of good team leaders and team members;
…work in a team face-to-face or in a virtual environment to solve problems;
…identify employers’ expectations and appropriate work habits;
…describe ethical behavior and decision making through use of examples;
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… use time-management techniques to develop team schedules to meet project
objectives;
…complete projects according to established criteria.
130.362 (c)(7)(A)(B)(C)(D)(E)
...describe the fields of biotechnology;
...describe career opportunities in biotechnology;
...apply design concepts to problems in biotechnology;
...identify fields related to biotechnology;
...identify currently emerging issues in biotechnology.
Computer Science I:

126.22. (3)(c)(A)(B)
...discuss copyright laws/issues and model ethical acquisition and use of digital
information, citing sources using established methods;
...demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable use policies when using
networks, especially resources on the Internet and intranet;

126.22. (4)(c)(A)
...use local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), including the Internet
and intranet, in research and resource sharing;

126.22. (6)(c)(B)
...implement methods for the evaluation of the information using defined rubrics.

126.22. (8)(c)(B)(C)
...demonstrate proficiency in, appropriate use of, and navigation of LANs and WANs for
research and for sharing of resources;
...extend the learning environment beyond the school walls with digital products created
to increase teaching and learning in the foundation and enrichment curricula;
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English:

110.44 (b)(6)(A)(B)
…expand vocabulary through wide reading, listening and discussing;
…rely on context to determine meanings of words and phrases such as figurative
language, connotation and denotation of words, analogies, idioms, and technical
vocabulary.

110.44 (b)(7)(H)(I)
…use study strategies such as note taking, outlining, and using study-guide questions to
better understand texts;
…read silently with comprehension for a sustained period time.
Mathematical Models with Applications:
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
111.36 (c)(2)(A)(B)(C)
…interpret information from various graphs, including line graphs, bar graphs, circle
graphs, histograms, scatter plots, line plots, stem and leaf plots, and box and whisker
plots to draw conclusions from the data;
….analyze numerical data using measures of central tendency, variability, and
correlation in order to make inferences;
…analyze graphs from journals, newspapers, and other sources to determine the
validity of stated arguments;
Teacher Preparation:
The teacher should prepare a brief PowerPoint presentation on how biotechnology has affected
one or two people that they know and include scientific data that could be used to research the
information about the two people. This will be used to show the kind of data the teacher will
expect the student to show in their presentation. They should research what information may be
acquired by the students from library or computers, so they will be aware of the student’s
capabilities. The teacher may even want to prepare an example of a power point or make
handouts for the students to model from.
References:
Daugherty, E. (2006). Biotechnology: Science for the New Millennium. EMC Publishing.
Gomez, & Oaks, & Leone. (2006). Engineering Your Future: A Project-Based Introduction to
Engineering 2nd Edition. Great Lakes Press, Inc.
Karsnitz, J. & Hutchinson, J. & O’Brien, S. (2008). Engineering Design and Introduction.
Cengage Learning Inc./Delmar
Instructional Aids:
1. PowerPoint presentation
2. Internet
Materials Needed:
1. Terms and Definitions handout for each student
2. How Biotechnology Has Affected My Life rubric
Equipment Needed:
1. Computers with PowerPoint installed
2. Over head projector
3. Printer
Learner Preparation:
Core science classes will prepare students for this lesson.
Introduction
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Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: Today we are going look at how biotechnology affects our personal lives.
ASK: What do you think I mean by this?
SHOW: PowerPoint presentation and discuss.
ASK: Can you think of something in your life?
SAY: I want you to brainstorm with another student to see if you can come up with a story you
can talk about on how biotechnology has affected someone in your life.
SAY: I want you to brainstorm on how you could find valid scientific information to support your
idea.
SAY: For our assignment today, you are going to research how biotechnology has affected
yourself or someone you know, and then you will present your case by designing a PowerPoint
presentation. You will make a 3-5 minute presentation to the class.
Outline
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructors can use the PowerPoint presentation, slides, handouts, and note pages in
conjunction with the following outline.
MI
Outline
Notes to Instructor
.
I. Describe what biotechnology is.
A. Why is it important for us to study it?
B. How does it affect our lives?
C. Discuss why it is important and what
ethical values are.
Teacher should review
presentation for terms.
II. Show PowerPoint presentation and discuss how
biotechnology affects our lives.
A. Identify events of someone in your life.
B. Identify terms used with biotechnology
C. Identify ethical issues around your
PowerPoint.
D. Summarize and compare what you have
seen with what they may have seen in their
lives.
Teacher presents
PowerPoint and
expands on it.
III. Teacher presents the activity
A. Research how biotechnology
has influenced their own life and
someone around them.
B. Use critical thinking analysis in evaluating
the situation
C. Show scientific method for conducting
research.
D. Explain the ethical values/use of the
biotechnology based on evidence.
E. Show how data was collected and the
Teacher monitors and
guides discussion.
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validity of the data.
IV. Students brainstorm for ideas
A. Students hold discussion on
biotechnology in their lives.
B. Students brainstorm their own design ideas
for their PowerPoint.
C. Students develop a timeline for their
project.
Teacher introduces the
activity and
establishes standards
for activity.
V. Students Prepare PowerPoint presentation on how
biotechnology affects their lives to include:
A. Cover slide
B. Objective slide
C. Reference slide where information came
from
D. Research information
E. Pictures to communicate ideas
VI. Students present PowerPoint case to class.
A. Students will present 3 to 5 minutes.
B. Teacher will assess activity with rubric.
Teacher encourages
students in giving their
presentation.
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Verbal
Linguistic
Logical
Mathematical
Visual
Spatial
Musical
Rhythmic
Bodily
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Application
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
The teacher must explain the PowerPoint as they go through the lesson. The teacher should not
just read it or let the students read it. Explain and give personal examples as they go. As
students are brain storming walk around the class and help to guide the students discussion.
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students should be monitored while they are doing research, discussion, and PowerPoint
design to ensure they are on task.
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Question: What have we learned from this lesson?
Answer: Biotechnology is all around us and it shapes our lives and our future.
(You might want to guide the students into answering this question to bring in information about
what is currently happening in their lives.)
Evaluation
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Watch the students in their discussion to evaluate how much they have learned.
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
The formal assessment will be the evaluation of the PowerPoint presentation they designed and
made assessed with the rubric provided with this lesson.
Extension
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Have the students bring in a news article about biotechnology to discuss in class.
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Terms and Definitions
Biotechnology
Air pollution - a product of hazardous wastes that results in acid rain, smog, and ozone
layer depletion problems.
Antibodies - part of the body’s immune system, consisting of protein cells that attack
and immobilize a foreign substance in the body.
Biochemical conversion - a conversion process for yielding biomass.
Bioengineering - the application of engineering and technology concepts to biological
and nonmedical systems for humans.
Biofuels - by-products of bioconversion: includes biogas (40 percent carbon dioxide
and 60 percent methane), liquid methanol and ethanol, and other liquid fuels.
Biohydrometallurgy - a microbial leaching process used to remove metal deposits
from overburden.
Biomaterial applications - the use of microorganisms to remove metals from rock, soil,
and other materials. It also involves waste water recycling, gold production, and the
production of innovated materials for bio-industrial application such as enhanced oil
recovery, plastics, and foodstuffs.
Biomass – a renewable energy source, biological material derived from living, or
recently living organisms, such as wood, waster, (hydrogen) gas, and alcohol fuels.
Biomass is commonly plant matter grown to generate electricity or produce heat.
Biospheres - closely controlled plant production environments in which severe
conditions, such as cold spells or droughts, never exist.
Hydroponics - cultivation of plants in water containing dissolved inorganic nutrients,
rather than in soil.
Sanitary landfill - a solid waste disposal site located away from groundwater and
surface water, its operation involves converging the waste periodically with layers of dirt
to limit air pollution, disease, and rodent infestation. Burning is not permitted and air and
water pollution are reduced.
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Biotechnology - is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living things in
engineering, technology, medicine, and other useful applications. Modern use of the
term includes genetic engineering as well as cell and tissue culture technologies.
Genetic engineering - a technological field that involves splicing different pieces of
genetic information together to form new genetic codes or sequences.
Ethics - is concerned with standards, rules or guidelines for morally or socially
approved conduct, such as being honest or trustworthy or acting in the best interest of a
society. Ethics addresses questions about morality - that is, concepts such as good and
bad, noble and ignoble, right and wrong, justice and virtue.
Leadership - is stated as the process of social influence in which one person can enlist
the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task.
Integrity - moral excellence or having a sense of honesty and truthfulness in regard to
the motivations for one’s actions. Integrity has to do with consistency of actions, values,
methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes.
Honesty - fair and just, free of deceit and untruthfulness, sincere. Honesty refers to a
facet of moral character and denotes positive, virtuous attributes such as integrity,
truthfulness, and straightforwardness along with the absence of lying, cheating, or theft.
Work Habits - an acquired pattern of work behavior that often occurs automatically.
Work routines that are repeated regularly.
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How Biotechnology Has Affected My Life Presentation Rubric
Task Statement: Design a PowerPoint presentation on how biotechnology has influenced someone’s life and make a 3-5 minute
presentation.
Task Assignment: Student teams will research how biotechnology has influenced someone’s life and design a PowerPoint
presentation with a cover slide, objective slide, reference slide, and pictures and make a 3-5 minute team presentation.
Criteria Concepts/Skills to be
Assessed
Team reh and
searc
discussion of how
biotechnology has affected
someone’s life
Novice
1
Contributes to the research
and discussion 10% of the
time and listens to team
members
Criteria Categories
(Novice to Exemplary)
Developing
Accomplished
2
3
Contributes to the
Contributes to the
research and discussion
research and discussion
25% of the time and
50% of the time and
listens to team members
listens to team members
Exemplary
4
Contributes to the research
and discussion 100% of the
time and listens to team
members
(Possible 25 points)
Designs PowerPoint
presentation
(1-5 points)
Cover slide, objective slide,
pictures to communicate
ideas, reference slide were
included in the PPT
(6-15 points)
Cover slide, objective
slide, pictures to
communicate ideas,
reference slide
were included in the PPT
with attention to design
(16-20 points)
Cover slide, objective
slide, pictures to
communicate ideas,
reference slide were
included in the PPT with
attention to design and
color
(21-25 points)
Cover slide, objective slide,
pictures to communicate
ideas, reference slide were
included in the PPT, with
attention to design, color,
and sound
(Possible 25 points)
Effectiveness of the idea
(how clearly presentation
demonstrates safety point)
(1-5 points)
Demonstrates effectively 1
point on affects of
biotechnology
(6-15 points)
Demonstrates effectively
2 points on affects of
biotechnology
(16-20 points)
Demonstrates effectively
3 points on affects of
biotechnology
(21-25 points)
Demonstrates effectively 4
points on affects of
biotechnology
(Possible 25 points)
Team presentation and
delivery (3-5 minutes)
(1-5 points)
Makes presentation for less
than 3 minutes
(6-15 points)
All team members share
in making 3-5 minute
presentation
(16-20 points)
All team members share
in making 3-5 minute
presentation and class
(21-25 points)
All team members share
equally in making 3-5
minute presentation and
class applauds the effort
(16-20 points)
(21-25 points)
Total Points:________
(1-5 points)
(6-15 points)
(Possible 25 points)
A = 84-100 points; B = 64-80 points; C = 24-60 points; D = 4-20 points
Points
Earned
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