AS Science in Society 1.6
Reproductive choices
This topic introduces the science of genetics and of some of the techniques that can be used to prevent the
birth of babies with inherited conditions.
It provides further practice in ethical decision making, in an individual context and in discussion of the framing
of regulations.
The references below to How Science Works (HSW) and to Science Explanations (SE) use the code letters
found in sections 3.6 and 3.7 of the specification. Learning skills for Science (LSS) activities are integrated
into all the AS topics. These represent an alternative or additional approach to some topics, emphasising the
development of skills. They can be used flexibly for class or homework activities depending on time available.
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Focus of session
Inheritance of single gene
disorders
Personal implications and
science
(SE Ca, Cb, Cc, Cd, Cf)
LSS skill area 5
Decision making on gene
testing
(HSW Hi, Hj, Hk)
Multiple genes and interactions
with the environment
case control studies
(SE Cc, Cd, Ce)
Antenatal testing techniques,
Down’s syndrome, false
negatives
(HSW Aa, Ag, Gf, Hb, Hi, Hj,
Hk)
Genes and chromosomes
(SE Ca, Cb, Cc, Cd, Ce, Cf)
Using ethical frameworks
Genetic counselling - decision
making
(HSW Ha, Hh, Hi, Hj, Hk, Hl)
Genetic counselling - decision
making
(HSW Ha, Hh, Hi, Hj, Hk, Hl)
Advantages and disadvantages
of screening of population at
risk and whole population
Reading skills
‘Develop and be able to
express an informed personal
point of view’
Review of the techniques of IVF
and PGD and their uses.
LSS skill area 3
Preparing arguments on sex
selection
Ethical principles (HSW Hh, Hi,
Hj, Hk)
Ethics
Argument skills
Review
July 2011
Suggested activities
Showing Gift DVD (Wellcome) Available
from
If DVD is not available use activities
from unit 6 or 8 in Genes and You to
raise some of the same issues
LSS
Skill area 5 LSS:
Appropriate levels of
communication – measuring
the readability of text.
Context: this is really context
free, but the passages are
about gene therapy.
Follow up discussion on Gift DVD. See
suggested activities on suggested
homework
Huntington’s disease activity
Or textbook p80-83
Read and discuss text book p83-87
Antenatal testing activity
Human karyotypes activity
Using ethical frameworks activity
Either homework or class activity
Preparation for role play on Genetic
counselling
Textbook 89-91
Genetic counselling role play activity
Genetic testing and screening
comprehension
Short activity to analyse a DNA fingerprint for paternity
Designer babies activity
Preparation for debate on sex selection
from Wellcome Big Picture on Sex and
Gender
Debate on sex selection from Wellcome
Big Picture on Sex and Gender
Exam style question on cystic fibrosis
Skill area 3 LSS: Making
sense of text: representing it
in your own way