Molecular Genetics Debate!
On Friday, April 24th, we will be having a Molecular Genetics Debate! Over the course of the
week, we will be conducting debates about topics in the world of genetics that hit home,
particularly in Canada.
Your job will be to pick a topic you would like to debate (there is a list further down this page,
or you may pick a topic that is relevant to this course that needs to be approved by your
teacher). You may pick your team of 2-3 debaters. For every topic, there will be two teams: a
pro side, and a con side. We will decide who is on what team as soon as possible.
The format will run as follows:
There will be three sections: Introduction, Rebuttal, and Conclusion. Each section will run
EXACTLY 2 minutes long.
-
The PRO team will introduce and explain their argument (2MIN)
The CON team will have the opportunity for rebuttal (or challenging the argument of the
PRO side) (2 MIN)
The CON team will give their introduction and their argument ( 2 MIN)
The PRO team will be given the opportunity for rebuttal (2 MIN)
The PRO team will give their conclusion (2 MIN)
The CON team will give their conclusion (2 MIN).
Time is not our friend, so these limits will be strictly enforced. Be concise and to the point with
your points.
The topics are as follows:
Be it resolved that:
A. companies that have patented Genetically Modified seeds for Genetically Modified
crops should be allowed to sell their seeds to farmers year after year
B. private companies should be allowed to patent life forms (genes, cell types, tissues,
organs, etc.)
C. police should be allowed to DNA fingerprint all citizens
D. human cloning should be legal
A few considerations for the debate:
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-
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EVERYONE needs to be a part of the discussion. The way you break up the discussion is
up to you. It is recommended that each member take on one section of the debate:
Introduction, Rebuttal, or Conclusion.
Make sure you thoroughly research your topic and how its implications in our society in
Canada.
Make sure whatever it is you say, it is tied to either the technologies that we have
covered in class, or any research that you may have done regarding your topic about the
criteria below.
Think about the benefits and risks for our society, for the government, for the economy,
and for our safety.
During the debate, please be respectful and do not interrupt your colleagues when they
are speaking. Give the same amount of respect you expect to get .
The class will be watching the debate and will be judging the winners.
Winners will be decided as follows: Before the debate, we will take a vote to see who is
on the pro side of the debate and who is on the con side.
(For example, 12 students are pro, 8 are con).
After the debate, a vote will be taken again. The winner will be determined by how
many students change their opinion of the topic.
(For example, if 11 students are pro at the end, and 9 are con, the CON team wins).
Bragging rights are up for grabs, so bring your best to the debates!
Lastly, please take a look at the rubric that will be posted on the website prior to coming
in on Friday. It is how you will be evaluated, and you will be able to maximize your grade
by being aware of the criteria we are looking for.
Happy debating!
Name:______________________________
Date:______________________________
Debate Rubric (D1)
Criteria
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Comprehension of
the benefits and/or
downfalls of Genetic
Technology
Limited
understanding of
the benefits or
downfalls of genetic
technology. No
evidence of
research.
Information was not
well presented. Eyecontact with the
audience was not
evident. The student
lacked confidence
and conviction.
Some understanding
of the benefits or
downfalls of genetic
technology. Some
research was
conducted.
Good understanding
of the benefits or
downfalls of genetic
technology. Topic
was well-researched
Information was
somewhat well
presented. Eyecontact with the
audience was
sporadic. The
student was
somewhat confident
in their
presentation.
Information was
well presented. Eyecontact with the
audience was made.
The student was
confident and
concise in their
presentation.
Excellent
understanding of
the benefits or
downfalls of genetic
technology. Topic
was thoroughly
researched.
Information was
very well presented.
Eye-contact with the
audience was made.
The student was
confident, concise,
convincing, and
engaging.
Presentation of
information and
debate style
Name:______________________________
Date:______________________________
Debate Rubric (D1)
Criteria
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Comprehension of
the benefits and/or
downfalls of Genetic
Technology
Limited
understanding of
the benefits or
downfalls of genetic
technology. No
evidence of
research.
Information was not
well presented. Eyecontact with the
audience was not
evident. The student
lacked confidence
and conviction.
Some understanding
of the benefits or
downfalls of genetic
technology. Some
research was
conducted.
Good understanding
of the benefits or
downfalls of genetic
technology. Topic
was well-researched
Information was
somewhat well
presented. Eyecontact with the
audience was
sporadic. The
student was
somewhat confident
in their
presentation.
Information was
well presented. Eyecontact with the
audience was made.
The student was
confident in their
presentation.
Excellent
understanding of
the benefits or
downfalls of genetic
technology. Topic
was thoroughly
researched.
Information was
very well presented.
Eye-contact with the
audience was made.
The student was
confident, concise,
convincing, and
engaging.
Presentation of
information and
debate style