Lesson Plan
Science: The Human Impact of Scientific Breakthroughs
Students will be able to make a responsible decision by weighing the ethical, social, and scientific consequences of a technological advancement.
Understanding the broad impact of scientific breakthroughs is crucial for developing critical thinking skills and fostering responsible citizenship in a rapidly evolving world. This lesson will help students navigate complex ethical dilemmas.
Audience
11th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Through a case study, collaborative brainstorming, and a class debate.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Scientific Ethics Slides, Case Study Digital Whiteboard Activity, and Class Debate Structure
Prep
Review Materials and Set Up Technology
15 minutes
- Review the Science: The Human Impact of Scientific Breakthroughs Lesson Plan, Scientific Ethics Slides, Case Study Digital Whiteboard Activity, and Class Debate Structure to ensure familiarity with the content and flow.
- Prepare a projector or interactive whiteboard to display the slides and the digital whiteboard activity.
- Ensure internet access for the digital whiteboard platform.
- Arrange the classroom for a potential debate, allowing students to see each other easily for discussion.
Step 1
Warm-up: Do Now
5 minutes
- Display: Project the prompt: "Post one word that comes to mind when you hear 'gene editing'."
2. Engage: Ask students to share their words aloud or write them on a shared digital space (e.g., a collaborative document, a virtual sticky note board).
3. Connect: Briefly acknowledge common themes and introduce the day's lesson on the human impact of scientific breakthroughs.
Step 2
Direct Instruction: Scientific Breakthrough Case Study
15 minutes
- Present: Use the Scientific Ethics Slides to introduce a recent scientific breakthrough with significant ethical implications (e.g., gene editing, AI, personalized medicine).
2. Explain: Walk through the scientific background of the breakthrough, its potential applications, and initial ethical considerations.
3. Facilitate: Encourage questions and initial thoughts from students about the case study presented in the slides.
Step 3
Collaborative Work: Impact Brainstorm
15 minutes
- Introduce Activity: Explain the Case Study Digital Whiteboard Activity. Students will work in small groups to brainstorm the positive and negative social, ethical, and scientific impacts of the technology presented in the case study.
2. Group Work: Divide students into small groups (3-4 students). Provide clear instructions for using the digital whiteboard to categorize their ideas.
3. Monitor and Guide: Circulate among groups, providing support and prompting deeper thinking with questions like: 'Who benefits from this technology? Who might be harmed?' 'What societal changes could this bring about?'
Step 4
Wrap-up: Class Debate
10 minutes
- Transition: Bring the class back together and explain the Class Debate Structure.
2. Debate: Facilitate a brief class debate using the brainstormed ideas from the digital whiteboard. Focus on key ethical considerations and potential regulations.
3. Summarize: Conclude the debate by highlighting the complexity of the issues and the importance of thoughtful consideration.
Step 5
Cool Down: Exit Ticket
5 minutes
- Prompt: Ask students to individually propose one guideline they would create to ensure responsible scientific advancement.
2. Collect: Have students submit their guidelines as an exit ticket. This will assess their ability to synthesize the day's discussion and apply ethical reasoning.
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Slide Deck
Science: Human Impact
Exploring the ethical, social, and scientific consequences of technological advancements.
Welcome students and introduce the day's topic: the exciting but complex world where science meets society. Ask them to think about how new inventions change our lives.
Do Now: Gene Editing
What one word comes to mind when you hear 'gene editing'?
Share your thoughts with the class!
Engage students with the 'Do Now' activity from the lesson plan. Give them a moment to think and share their initial thoughts on 'gene editing.' This activates prior knowledge and sets the stage for the discussion.
Scientific Breakthroughs: A Double-Edged Sword
Science constantly pushes boundaries, creating amazing new possibilities.
But every breakthrough has potential consequences – good and bad.
Today, we'll explore how to think critically about these impacts.
Introduce the concept of scientific breakthroughs and their dual nature – immense potential alongside significant challenges. Emphasize that every innovation has a ripple effect.
Case Study: CRISPR Gene Editing
Imagine a technology that can edit our DNA with incredible precision.
CRISPR-Cas9: A revolutionary tool that allows scientists to "cut and paste" specific sections of DNA.
Potential: Curing genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease.
Present the specific case study of CRISPR gene editing. Explain what it is in simple terms, focusing on its ability to precisely alter DNA. Use an example, like correcting genetic diseases, to make it concrete.
Ethical Implications: Where Do We Draw the Line?
If we can edit genes, should we?
Designer Babies: Could we choose traits like intelligence or athletic ability?
Consent: Who gives consent for gene editing in embryos?
Access: Would only the wealthy have access to these treatments, creating new inequalities?
Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding CRISPR. Prompt students to think about the 'why' behind using such technology. What are the moral lines? Who decides?
Societal Ripples: Who Benefits? Who Pays?
How might widespread gene editing change our society?
Equality: Could it worsen existing social inequalities?
Discrimination: Would there be pressure to conform to genetic "ideals"?
Human Identity: How does modifying our genes impact what it means to be human?
Shift to social impacts. How might CRISPR affect society as a whole? Think about fairness, discrimination, and the definition of 'normal.'
Scientific Unknowns: What Are the Risks?
Even with precise tools, there are scientific uncertainties.
Off-target edits: Could CRISPR accidentally modify the wrong genes?
Long-term effects: What are the unforeseen consequences for individuals and future generations?
Ecosystem impact: What if gene editing is applied to other species?
Address the scientific consequences. While powerful, what are the potential risks and unknowns? Emphasize the long-term perspective and unintended effects.
Activity: Digital Whiteboard Brainstorm
In groups, you'll use a Case Study Digital Whiteboard to explore the impacts of CRISPR.
Categorize potential impacts as:
- Positive vs. Negative
- Social, Ethical, or Scientific
Be ready to share your group's insights!
Introduce the brainstorming activity using the digital whiteboard. Explain that they will categorize ideas into positive/negative, social/ethical/scientific impacts. Encourage lively discussion within groups.
Class Debate: Responsible Advancement
Now, let's debate! Using your brainstormed points, we will discuss:
"Should there be stricter global regulations on gene editing technology?"
Be prepared to argue for or against, and consider the various stakeholders.
Prepare students for the class debate. Remind them to use the points generated during their brainstorming session to support their arguments. Encourage respectful disagreement.
Exit Ticket: Your Guideline
Based on today's discussion, propose one guideline you would create to ensure responsible scientific advancement.
Write your guideline down and submit it before you leave.
Conclude the lesson by assigning the exit ticket. This allows students to synthesize their learning and propose a practical guideline for responsible scientific development.
Activity
Case Study Digital Whiteboard Activity: CRISPR's Ripple Effect
Objective: To collaboratively brainstorm and categorize the potential positive and negative social, ethical, and scientific impacts of CRISPR gene editing technology.
Instructions:
- Form Groups: Work in your assigned groups of 3-4 students.
- Access Digital Whiteboard: Your teacher will provide a link to a shared digital whiteboard (e.g., Jamboard, Miro, Google Whiteboard).
- Brainstorm Impacts: For the CRISPR gene editing technology we discussed, brainstorm as many potential impacts as you can think of. Consider:
- Positive Impacts: How could this technology make life better, solve problems, or advance society?
- Negative Impacts: What challenges, risks, or undesirable consequences could arise from this technology?
- Categorize Impacts: As you brainstorm, categorize each impact into one of the following areas:
- Social: How does it affect people, communities, equality, or human relationships?
- Ethical: What moral questions or dilemmas does it raise about right and wrong, fairness, or human dignity?
- Scientific: What are the direct scientific consequences, risks, or potential for further scientific discovery?
- Use Digital Sticky Notes: Write each unique impact on a separate digital sticky note. Use different colors for positive (e.g., green) and negative (e.g., red) impacts if your whiteboard allows.
- Organize on the Whiteboard: Arrange your sticky notes on the whiteboard. You might create sections for