This FutureFit Project is a supplemental project-based lesson covering genetics, biochemistry, viruses, farming and food science. It is designed to reinforce core science subject material while also incorporating social-emotional learning and 21st Century skills and concepts.
OVERVIEW:
This FutureFit lesson is designed to supplement a standard 12-15 unit lesson for 7th and 8th grade Life Science by offering a unique project that ties together the core academic concepts with a set of FutureFit social-emotional and 21st Century Skills.
STUDENT/GROUP OUTPUT:
Students will study the “how” and “why” of genetically modified food, and the opposing sides of the GMO food controversy. To conclude the lesson, students will choose to either create a persuasive piece supporting or opposing GMO foods, or invent a GMO food product benefitting humans.
SUGGESTED SUBJECT PREREQUISITES:
It is suggested that students should have familiarity with the following subject material as background for this lesson:
- A basic understanding of genetics, chromosomes and DNA
- A basic understanding of viruses
SEQUENCE AND PACING
This project-based lesson includes enough material for use in five 45-minutes periods of instruction. If a more focused lesson is appropriate, select the 3-day Short Lesson. The Concept Check version provides activities which reinforce the core math concepts.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (suggested):
- Internet access
STANDARDS ALIGNMENT
These activities support the following NGSS curriculum standards:
- LS1.A: Structure and Function
- LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
- LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits
- LS3.B: Variation of Traits
