Genetic Engineering Article: Pros and Cons

This genetic engineering article introduces students to a technology that humans use to influence the inheritance of traits, GENETIC ENGINEERING.

The Article Covers:

• Basics of how genetic engineering works
• Pros and cons of genetic engineering
• Impact on medicine, food, society, and the environment

Analysis Section Includes:

• 17 text-dependent questions
• Graphic organizer for summarization
• Writing prompt about students’ position on genetic engineering

This is a great addition to a DNA and heredity unit because it introduces biotechnology and real-life applications of genetics at a middle school level.

This activity pairs well with our Cloning Reading & Questions!

Teacher Notes:

• Related NGSS Standards: MS-LS3-1, MS-LS3-2, MS-LS4-5
• Printer-friendly text version provided
• Answer key included.
• GO PAPERLESS!  Use the included digital Google Slides version.
• Makes an excellent sub plan!
• This genetic engineering article is not editable.
• Check out more resources in the asexual and sexual reproduction section of our shop!
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Related Standards:

• NGSS MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
• NGSS MS-LS3-2: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.
• NGSS MS-LS4-5: Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.