Genetically Modified Foods PBL:

Suggested Timeline of Implementation:

1) Introduce GMO foods definition:
Dictionary.com definition:
o genetically modified organism: an organism or
microorganism whose genetic material has been
altered by means of genetic engineering.
Science teachers definitions:
o Definition: GMO is when humans intentionally
manipulate any organisms DNA sequence.
o Kid friendly: GMO is when people force a change in a
living things instructions to make itself.
2) Students research the benefits and concerns of GMO foods and 5
types of GMO foods using notesheet chart. They may use this list
of websites at: http://sqworl.com/vbe0ea
3) Introduce Aristotles Rhetoric Pathos, Ethos, & Logos and the
art of persuasion, for example, appealing to peoples emotions
(pathos), ethics/morals (ethos), and facts (logos).
4) Students plan and create an advertisement on GMO foods, or a
specific GMO food, using the GMO Ad Plan worksheet. Their ad
can be based on benefits and/or concerns. After they complete
the plan, they create their ad on paper or computer.
5) Students work in teams to address a Mission Impossible task
challenging them to save a World History civilization (based on 7 th
grade World Geography standards) by utilizing the regions
geography, climate, natural resources, and regional food to design
a meal using a modern-day GMO (show PowerPoint and distribute
different regions to teams). They use the Mission Impossible
Research Note sheet to research their region and plan their project
and meal. They may use this list of websites at:
http://sqworl.com/g36aph
6) In teams, students create a presentation of their region and GMO
meal to present to the class or at a class fair. Rubric included! See
examples from my students on my class blog here:
http://datascholars.blogspot.com/2015/03/mission-impossiblegmos-save.html Have fun!