Is Addiction Genetic???
Joey Jones is in court for the 10th time on drug abuse charges. He claims that his parents were addicts, and so
were is grandparents. Joey says that his addiction is genetic and not his fault, therefore sending him to jail
would not solve the problem. You and your classmates have been chosen as the jury! You will be split into
two groups to debate the genetic basis for addiction. Group 1 will argue that the genetic basis for addiction is
inconsequential and suggest repercussions for Joey based on this; Group 2 will argue that Joey’s addiction is
genetically based and will suggest repercussions for Joey Jones based on this.
Assignment:
The following objectives from the genetics unit are being assessed:
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Restate how Mendel found traits to be inherited
Differentiate between genes and chromosomes
Predict the results of crosses between individuals
Compare the likelihood of the offspring having a specific geno/phenotype by determining percentages
Explain an example of a polygenic trait
Based on what you have learned about Mendelian genetics (and the exceptions), you will research the genetic
basis for addiction and debate the issue according to the side you are assigned. Each student will submit a
research paper as well as participate in a formal class debate. The debate will require each group to research
not only their point of view, but also the opposing point of view in order to argue effectively.
I.
Prior to the debate, you will turn in a 3-5 page research paper based on the following criteria:
THESIS: Your paper should take a stance on the topic you are researching. This should be a one sentence
statement that includes your position and your evidence, located in an introduction.
VARIETY OF SOURCES: For this paper, you are required to find the following sources:
2 online journals (at least one must be primary research)
2 internet sources (must be credible sites)
1 other (newspaper, interview, etc.)
CONTENT: You must include a discussion of the genetics principles (listed above as objectives) in
relationship to your position. Include in the body of your paper, 3 forms of evidence for your position (this
may include an argument of an opposing viewpoint).
CONCLUSION: Summarize your research, restate your thesis and your evidence.
YOUR OWN WORDS: Plagiarizing will not be accepted under any circumstances. If you take someone
else’s words or ideas and use them as your own, you will receive a ZERO for this project.
APA FORMATTING: You may use the following website for help on this format:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
The rubric on which you will be graded is attached.
II.
After researching your position on Joey Jones’ case, you will participate in a formal class debate
based on the following criteria:
Understanding of the topic, presentation style, information, use of facts/stats/examples, respect for other
team, teamwork.
The rubric on which you will be graded is attached.
References used in creating this assignment:
Gavitt, M. Debate Rubric. Retrieved on April 23, 2010. Available at:
http://mrgavitt.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Debate_Rubric.287110742.pdf.
Research Paper Requirements. Retrieved on April 23, 2010. Available at:
http://www.wherethebookends.com/Research%20Paper%20REQUIREMENTS_revised1.doc.
Research Paper Rubric
0
0 out of the 3
criteria are
adequate.
1
1 out of the 3
criteria are
adequate.
2
2 out of the 3
criteria are
adequate.
Sources
0 out of the 3
source areas are
adequate.
1 out of the 3
source areas are
adequate.
2 out of the 3
source areas are
adequate.
Content
0 forms of
evidence are
present and/or
discussion of
genetics principles
is not adequate.
0 out of the 3
requirements are
met.
1 form of evidence
is present and/or
discussion of
genetics principles
is not adequate.
1 out of the 3
requirements are
met.
2 forms of
evidence are
present and/or
discussion of
genetics principles
is not adequate.
2 out of the 3
requirements are
met.
5-6 errors in text or
on reference page
and/or no sources
cited.
3-4 errors in text or
on reference page.
1-2 errors in text or
on reference page.
Intro/Thesis
Conclusion
APA Format
Total_______x 2=
/30
3
1. Appropriate
introduction to
topic and
position.
2. Clear thesis
statement.
3. 3 forms of
evidence are
introduced.
1. 2 online
journals (at
least one must
be primary
research).
2. 2 internet
sources (must
be credible
sites).
3. 1 other
(newspaper,
interview, etc.).
3 forms of evidence are
present, and a
discussion of the
principles of genetics is
discussed.
1.
Research is
summarized.
2. Thesis is
restated.
3. Evidence in
restated.
No errors in text or on
reference page.
Debate Rubric
0
Did not show an
adequate
understanding of
the topic.
1
Seemed to
understand the main
points of the topic
and
presented those with
ease.
Presentation Style
Never used skills
listed.
Sometimes used
skills listed.
Information
More than 5 pieces
of information were
unclear/inaccurate/
not thorough.
3-4 pieces of
information were
unclear/inaccurate/
not thorough.
Use of
Facts/Stats/Examples
Major points were
not supported.
Every major point
was supported, but
the relevance was
questionable.
Respect for Other
Team
Consistently
disrespectful of
other team.
3-4 errors were
made in
appropriateness of
statements, body
language, or
responses.
Teamwork
No one talks.
One or only a few
members do 100%
of talking.
Understanding of
Topic
3
Clearly
understood
the topic indepth and
presented your
information
forcefully, and
convincingly.
Usually used skills
Consistently
listed.
used
gestures, eye
contact,
tone of voice
and a level
of enthusiasm
in a way
that kept the
attention of
the audience.
1-2 pieces of
All information
information were presented was
unclear/inaccurate/
clear,
not thorough.
accurate, and
thorough.
Every major point
Every major
was adequately
point was well
supported.
supported with
several
relevant facts,
stats, and/or
examples.
1-2 errors were
All statements,
made in
body
appropriateness of language, and
statements, body
responses
language, or
were
responses.
respectful and
appropriate
language was
used.
A few members do
Equal timing
75% of talking.
for each
member.
Total_______/18
2
Clearly
understood the
topic
in-depth and
presented your
information with
ease.