Topic: Genetic Modification
Lesson 1: Introduction to Genetic Modification
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Describe genetic modification as changing an organism’s genetic material by removing, changing, or inserting individual genes. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show before-and-after pictures of GM crops (e.g., golden rice) and ask: “What do you notice?” Main (25 mins): 1. Define genetic modification. 2. Explain how genes are removed, altered, or inserted. 3. Discuss examples: GM bacteria producing insulin, herbicide-resistant crops. Plenary (10 mins): Quick quiz: Match genetic modification examples to their purposes. |
| Resources | Case studies of GM organisms, diagrams showing GM techniques, quiz sheets. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Research an example of a genetically modified organism and list its advantages and disadvantages. |
| Assessment | Class discussion and quiz results. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/21/O/N/17 Q6(b). |
Lesson 2: Process of Genetic Modification
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Outline the process of genetic modification using bacterial production of a human protein as an example. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Display an image of insulin production via bacteria. Ask: “How is this possible?” Main (25 mins): 1. Explain the steps of genetic modification: isolation of DNA, cutting plasmid with restriction enzymes, insertion with ligase, recombinant plasmids, bacterial multiplication, and protein production. 2. Use a flow diagram to explain each step. Plenary (10 mins): Students create their own flow diagrams summarizing the process. |
| Resources | Visual aids (flow charts, diagrams), restriction enzyme models, sticky notes for flow diagrams. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Create a poster illustrating the genetic modification process for insulin production. |
| Assessment | Flow diagrams and homework posters. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/42/M/J/19 Q2(b). |
Lesson 3: Applications and Controversies in Genetic Modification
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Outline examples of genetic modification in crops and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of GM crops. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Display examples of GM foods (e.g., soya, maize). Ask: “What are the benefits of modifying these crops?” Main (25 mins): 1. Discuss examples: herbicide-resistant crops, pest-resistant crops, golden rice for better nutrition. 2. Debate: Advantages (increased yield, reduced pesticide use) vs. disadvantages (ethical concerns, environmental risks). Plenary (10 mins): Students write a summary paragraph: “Do the benefits of GM crops outweigh the risks?” |
| Resources | GM crop case studies, pros and cons handouts, whiteboard for debate points. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Research and write a one-page essay on how GM crops could address food insecurity. |
| Assessment | Debate participation and essay submission. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/32/O/N/18 Q5(a). |
Key Notes for Teachers:
- Engagement: Use real-world examples (e.g., golden rice, Bt cotton) to relate to students’ experiences.
- Practical Links: Incorporate visual aids for complex processes like DNA manipulation.
- Differentiation: Provide advanced learners with additional reading on CRISPR technology.
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