1. Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about DNA, the double helix, and/or the human genome project. Clear up any misunderstandings that appear, and give the class time to explore the websites listed under Background Information below.
2. Then, divide the class into groups of four, and further divide the groups into teams of two. Each group should spend two or three class periods exploring the websites listed under Issues, below. Then, each group should select one issue raised by the information on these websites. A sample set of issues might be:
- Using the genome to test everyone for genetic disease, even if it is not certain to appear
- Taking samples of DNA from everyone to create a national database
- Genetic engineering to produce “better” babies
- Genetic engineering to produce “better” vegetables, fruits, and livestock
- Stem cell research to cure disease
- Others, as raised by students
3. Then, one pair of students in each group should take responsibility for creating an argument in favor of the issue and the other pair should take responsibility for creating an argument against the issue. Note: more research might be needed at this point. Each group should debate their issue within their group until all arguments are exhausted. Each pair of students within a group should have carefully written down their arguments, and the ways in which they responded to counter-arguments from the other pair.
4. When the in-group discussion has been completed, and arguments firmed up, the pairs of students in each group should present their discussion to the wider class, leaving time for questions, comments, and criticisms.
5. When all groups have presented the relative merits of their issue, the class should vote on whether the positive arguments outweigh the negative arguments, thus voting on whether research on the item in question should go forward.
The Double Helix
Rosalind Franklin and the Double Helix
The Human Genome
The Human Genome Project Maps Human Life
The Human Genome is Sequenced – Now What?
The Human Genome Project: A Scientific and Ethical Overview
Stem Cell Information
WGBH Lectures on the Double Helix and Human Genome -- videos
Double Helix: Script for Life
The Human Genome and Beyond
How Genomes and Other Forces Are Changing Your Life
This lesson was developed by Averil McClelland, Kent State University.