Genetics Debate Project
You will divide into groups of two. Each group will chose one of the topics listed below.
As a group you must find some background information. You can begin with your
textbook, but must include other sources. Each group will have a period to present their
case to the whole class. The class will be the representative jury for our society and we
will vote on how we think the issue may be best resolved. The more careful and well
thought out positions, will probable sway the jury the most.
Steps to Building Your Debate:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Students will be assigned a research topic.
Students will research background information.
Computer time will be provided to students to research their topic.
First, everyone presenting on your issue needs to research the topic so that they
can introduce it to the class.
Students will record a minimum of 6 facts in support of or 6 facts against the
given genetic issue. These should be from a minimum of 3 different sources.
During the debate, students will each be required to share the facts that they
found and support them with their own ideas.
Students will write a reflection that answers the questions on the worksheet.
Remember that this is an exercise in which there are no right or wrong answers. The
issues need to be discussed rationally by all members of the class. At the conclusion of
the debate, your audience will vote and express society's current view on your topic,
based on the arguments that you present. Be ready to back up your statements with
specific sources if you are challenged.
The Debate forum:






5 minutes of pro presentation
5 minutes for con presentation
2 minutes pro rebuttal
2 minutes con rebuttal
Audience questions
Vote of the audience
Debate Issues:
1. Humans are already capable of cloning organs and tissues for humans, but
research is progressing so that it is only a matter of time before we are within
reach of cloning entire individuals. Thinking about the advantages and
disadvantages of cloning, should it be legal and if so to what extent?
2. Food companies currently genetically alter plants and animals to make them more
productive for sales. This can obviously benefit the human race, but at what cost
to us? One side will support genetic engineering and the other will dispute it.
3. Do you think that research on human pre- embryos should be allowed? Should
fetal tissue be used to treat disease? Make sure to explain to the class what is
considered a pre- embryo and when an embryo is considered a fetus.
4. Rats have been used by scientist to develop a nasal spray gene therapy for cystic
fibrosis. Mice can manufacture some human proteins in their blood. Dogs were
important in developing treatments for hemophilia and bone marrow transplants
would not be possible without earlier work done with dogs. Many people object to
the use of mammals in experiments. Do you feel that animal models of human
genetic disease are necessary. Should treatments be allowed on laboratory
mammals before attempting the treatment on humans?
5. Government is currently involved in health care reform. Debate the following:
With limited numbers of transplants available rationing systems must be
established for determining who will receive transplants: On what factors should
rationing systems be based?
A. first come, first serve
B. the wealthiest
C. the youngest
D. the individuals with the highest I.Q.
E. those with genetic defects favored over those whose unhealthy lifestyle has
produced organ failure
6. The Human Genome Project is attempting to unravel the mysteries of the function
and location of all human genes. Conducting genetic profiles on individuals will
be an expensive procedure once the Genome Project is completed. Debate the
following: Medical insurance companies have the right to learn the genetic
profiles of individuals that they insure. Also include a discussion of: Employers
have a right to know the genetic profiles of disorders of their employees who are
in jobs in which there is a high risk to others - such as airline pilots, bus driver etc.
7. Should researcher organizations which are identifying sequences for specific
proteins involved in genetic diseases and the establishment of test kits for these
diseases have the right to patent these sequences as their own for the purpose of
profit?
Reflection Questions
1. What was your debate topic and what was your role in the debate (affirmative or
negative)?
2. Did your side win or lose the debate, and why do you think this happened?
3. What would you now do differently to revise your argument? Why?
4. What were your personal feelings about your debate topic?
5. How can you apply what you learned from the debate to your life or family today
or in the future?
6. Which issue made you think most deeply?