Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School Principal; Dr. Lisa Mars Living Environment Ms. Galaydick Project: Genetic Engineering Ethical or Non-­‐ethical? DUE: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 Assignment: Over the next several days, we will discuss Biotechnology (Genetic Engineering); its’ pros and cons. The following assignment is designed for you to research more pros and cons about biotechnology and the possible impact on thee environment. The final part of this assignment is to make an informed decision on whether or not genetic engineering is ethical or non-­‐ethical. You are to research more pros and cons about biotechnology/ genetic engineering. You are to formulate your own opinions about the good and bad. Which side of the argument you are going to take? Guidelines: (SEE RUBRIC) • A minimum of one page typed • Font: Times New Roman • Size 11 • Single spaced • Follow the guidelines on how to write a persuasive essay • A minimum of FIVE sources MUST be cited using MLA format ***Paraphrase, DO NOT copy and paste other researchers work. You will receive a zero! • EXAMPLE of MLA format: (http://www.easybib.com/) Works Cited EXAMPLE: "Blueprint Lays Out Clear Path for Climate Action." Environmental Defense Fund. Environmental Defense Fund, 8 May 2007. Web. 24 May 2009. Below you will find questions to think about while making an informed decision on this topic. NOTE: You don’t need to answer each question below; they are guideline questions to use in order to determine where you stand on the topic of “Is Biotechnology Ethical?”. Particular questions to be addressed: 1.
Is biotechnology ethical? 2.
Are we blurring the lines between species by creating transgenic combinations? 3.
What are the known health risks associated with biotechnology? 4.
What are the long-­‐term effects on the environment? 5.
What ethical, social, and legal controls or reviews should be placed on such research? 6.
Are we inflicting pain and suffering on organisms when we create certain types of research? 7.
Will biotechnology interventions in humans create physical or behavioral traits that may or may not be readily distinguished from what is usually perceived to be “human”? 8.
If the blending of nonhuman animal and human DNA results, what types of intelligence will occur in humans and nonhuman animals? Should these entities be given rights and special protections? 9.
What unintended personal, social, and cultural consequences could result? 10.
Will these interventions redefine what it means to be “normal”? 11.
Who will have access to these technologies, and how will scarce resources be allocated?