Biotechnology 101: Student Worksheet
Part 1: Defining the term
Step 1: Open a new Microsoft Word™ document.
Step 2: Access the Wikipedia article on biotechnology.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotechnology
Step 3: Cut and paste the first two
paragraphs of information.
Step 4: Use the text highlight tool in Microsoft Word™ to highlight keywords.
Step 5: Write a summary of the first two paragraphs, using your own words.
Location of highlighting tool
The image above left was accessed from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:E_coli_at_10000x,_original.jpg . It is the
bacterium Escherichia coli, which is routinely genetically engineered. The
symbol means the use of this image is
allowed under a Creative Commons licence.
Part 2: Investigating the issues
Step 1: Use the Table of Contents on the Wikipedia article to navigate to Section 2.1.3.1,
(Controversial Issues) that can result from the biotechnology area of genetic testing.
Step 2: Convert the information from prose (written in sentences) to a tabulated summary. You can
use the Insert Table function of Microsoft Word™.
Step 3: Use the other information provided by Wikipedia to complete a column of information on
the benefits of various aspects of biotechnology.
Example of tabulated summary
BIOTECHNOLOGY AREA
Reproduction
CONTROVERSY
Disposal of unwanted embryos
POSITIVE ASPECTS
Elimination of genetic diseases
“Designer babies”
Part 3: Evaluating sources of information
Step 1: Use the list of References at the end of the Wikipedia article to identify one of the authors
whose information has been used to create the Wikipedia article.
Step 2: Using a search tool such as Google, compile an academic biography for that author. Include
information such as qualifications, articles and books published, industry experience, and
participation at conferences.
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Content created by A.B. Credaro © Commonwealth of Australia 2010