SBI4U: Molecular Genetics – Topic 1
Name: ____________________________
The Great Genetic Debates
Movie: ____________________________
DNA technology has the potential to improve lives dramatically, but it also raises a large number of moral,
ethical, social, and political issues. In this project, you will find a movie with genetics or genetic technology
as a main theme and explore its benefits and costs. Movies can be a “Hollywood” type or a documentary.
Format:
 Post the movie title in Edsby (no duplicates) – Hunger
Games Series is not allowed
 As an entire group determine the 1 key ethical question
from the movie that will be debated.
 Split your group into 2 teams and choose “sides” of the
debate question
 Each side will watch the movie & research their position
and prepare a 3-4 minute argument.
 On debate day: after both sides of the issue have been presented, each side will be given 2 minutes for
a rebuttal.
 Debates and rebuttals should reflect facts not just opinions.
Argument:
- Should include:
Who/what could/are affected by the potential applications & HOW?
What are the relevant facts to be considered?
What are some of the relevant ethical considerations?
Supporting research & examples other than from the movie
-
Use specific examples, points & quotes to reflect that you actually watched the entire movie, while
using similar specific details to try to point out what the other side may have missed (ex. by reading
only reviews and not watching the movie)
Tips
1) The goal is to persuade your audience. Provide sufficient background information, but be sure the
emphasis of your presentation is arguing for or against your topic.
2) Be prepared for your opposition! You should plant for what the
opposing side may say so you know what to expect and can respond to
it during your rebuttal.
3) You probably don’t want to share too much of your research with
your opposition either. During the debate, it would be wise to jot
down your opposing team’s arguments so you can respond to them.
SBI4U: Molecular Genetics – Topic 1
Debate Rubric
Requirement
Points Earned
Opening Argument:
 Side of the ethical question clearly stated
 Arguments are clearly stated and well‐organized
 Arguments are supported with specific data, facts, and examples
0 1 2 3 4 5
0 1 2 3 4 5
0 1 2 3 4 5
Rebuttal:
 Opponents arguments are addressed with supporting facts
 Used specific facts other team said in their argument
0 1 2 3 4 5
0
1 2 3 4
5
Presentation Style:
 Be polite, courteous, respectful and listen attentively
 Speak only when your turn.
 Allow others to express their opinions; do not monopolize the debate.
 Speak clearly, slowly, and loud enough to be heard by the audience.
 Speak with passion and excitement.
0 1 2 3 4 5
Mark
/26
Debate Follow Up Questions: Complete Individually
1. What is the key biotechnology used in the movie and what is it used for?
2. What are the specific scientific techniques and processed involved in the technology?
a) How is DNA involved in this technology? / What is done to DNA in this technology?
b) What does the technology “look like”? Provide a diagram or construct a model depicting
specific procedures and/or equipment used; e.g., the steps of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
3. What is the impact of this technology on society (social, legal and/or ethical)?
a) Advantages (1‐2)
b) Disadvantages (1‐2)
Category/Criteria
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
for Success
0
2
3
4
5
Content
 Content knowledge
(Questions #1‐2)
/10
Making Connections
 Impact of technology
(Question #3)
/10
Student demonstrates
limited understanding of
the topic and cannot
answer questions about
their product. No
explanation or diagram
is included
0
0
Communication
 Clear and organized
manner
/5
2
Student addresses the
impact on society with
limited effectiveness, or
not at all
2
Student communicates
with limited clarity and
presents information
with limited
organization
Student is uncomfortable
with the topic and is able
to demonstrate only basic
concepts. A explanation
or diagram is included but
is poorly represented
3
Student addresses the
impact on society with
some effectiveness
Student demonstrates a
fair understanding of the
topic, but fails to
elaborate. A satisfactory
explanation or diagram is
included
4
Student addresses the
impact on society with
considerable effectiveness
3
4
Student communicates
with some clarity and
presents information with
some organization
Student communicates
with considerable clarity
and presents information
with considerable
organization
Student demonstrates full
knowledge of the topic
(more than required). A
highly effective
explanation or diagram is
included
5
Student addresses the
impact on society with a
high degree of
effectiveness
5
Students communicates
with a high degree of
clarity and resents
information with a high
degree of organization