Objective:
To provide access for teachers to a range of resources that support Years 7-9 Rich Task #1: Science and Ethics Confer. Six major topics have been identified:
Description:
This list provides a starting point for resources to support Years 7-9 Rich Task #1: Science and Ethics Confer. Resources have been grouped under the following headings:
These links open in new browser windows.
Professional associations, community members or organisations able to provide expert information and advice on topics related to the Rich Task.
Australian Academy of Science
http://www.science.org.au/aashome.htm 
The Academy, made up of Australia's top scientists, promotes science through a series of activities. Its reports on controversial topics such as genetic engineering would provide useful background material for teachers initiating discussions on bioethics.
Gene Technology Ethics Committee
http://www.health.gov.au/ogtr/committees/gtec.htm
This committee was established to provide advice to ministerial councils on ethical issues such as gene technology and codes of practice. It examines the potential benefits and risks of gene technology so is very useful for providing background material for teachers and more competent students on government policy regarding biotechnology.
A.G.E.N. (Australian Gene Ethics Network)
http://www.geneethics.org/
The site has been created by a federation of concerned groups and individuals anxious to promote awareness about the impact of genetic engineering technologies. It provides useful information for students selecting ethical issues to research. The site contributes to the variety of opinions of stakeholders and opinion-makers required to satisfy the task. Though the site appears well researched, it is typical of campaigning sites in presenting a one-sided view and should perhaps be used by students in conjunction with a government information site.
Gene technology in Australia
http://genetech.csiro.au/
This well-presented CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation) site explains the science of gene technology and describes what Australian scientists are doing. As it examines some of the ethical issues raised it will also be useful for students researching ethics.
Headlinespot: Science news
http://www.headlinespot.com/subject/science/
This has a number of useful links for the teacher to recent developments in science and biotechnology (see BioMedNet especially). Teachers could use the information for discussion-starters.
The Lab - Australian Broadcasting Corporation's gateway to online science
http://www.abc.net.au/science/
This site reports on scientific innovations and has links to The Science Show, a site which can be searched by students for material on new scientific developments. The results of a biotechnology search include articles as diverse as cloning the malaria gene, using stem cells, bioterrorism, biological microchips and the Human Genome Project. It is equally useful for examining ethical issues and for preparing pre-conference materials.
OZ guide: Technology and information technology
http://www.uq.edu.au/journ-comm/index.html?id=5760
This site is very useful for locating information, contacts and experts on a multitude of subjects. Teachers would find it very useful when searching for guest speakers with opposing viewpoints on biotechnology. Article reprints are intended for adults but provide excellent teacher background material.
QueenslandWeb
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/qldweb.htm
Students can search for useful organisations using the State Library of Queensland's web guide. Searching using 'biotechnology' brings up sites as diverse as those on genetically modified food and crops to one opposing the establishment of biotechnology research laboratories. This directory is useful for the teacher interested in obtaining opposing viewpoints on the benefits of biotechnology.
Science Gateway: Hot issues
http://education.qld.gov.au/tal/curriculum_exchange/teachers/science/html/issues.html 
This site has links to a collection of resources on topics such as biotechnology and cloning, so could be used for researching areas where there are ethical issues under consideration.
Scitech daily review
http://www.scitechdaily.com/
This broad coverage of science issues, presented as a series of headlines and leaders sourced from authoritative publications, is constantly updated. It enables students and teachers to access information on the latest scientific advances in biotechnology. It also presents an excellent range of viewpoints, so is useful for exploring ethical issues.
Bioethics discussion pages
http://www-hsc.usc.edu/~mbernste/
These are moderated discussion pages on bioethical issues, so present a huge range of viewpoints (some informed) both for and against techniques such as cloning. While the content is adult, the issues raised could be blackboarded by the teacher for students deciding which issues to explore. The site contributes to the variety of opinions of stakeholders and opinion-makers required to satisfy the task.
Cloning around with stem cells
http://abc.net.au/science/slab/stemcells/
The controversy aroused by the proposed cloning of human stem cells is discussed here, at a level students could comprehend. The text explains the use of cell technology to replace old diseased organs in the treatment of conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, ageing and heart disease. The material could be used to represent the viewpoint supporting the implementation of biotechnological processes.
Greenpeace USA
http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/
The site gives the latest news for students about the activities of the organisation, with particular reference to information on genetic engineering and its effects on health and general life. The site contributes to the variety of opinion of stakeholders and opinion-makers required to satisfy the task.
Hot Topics: Bioethics - quick links
http://education.qld.gov.au/tal/tips/hot_topics/01633.htm
This is a list for primary and secondary students and teachers of useful resources that will support the Rich Task, Science and ethics confer. There are links to material on ethical issues.
Center for the study of ethics in the professions
http://ethics.iit.edu/codes/index.html
This huge collection of over 850 codes of ethics of professional societies, corporations, government organisations and academic institutions provides a means for students and teachers to discuss codes of ethics and how they vary according to their purpose. Early codes of ethics are also provided so students can study how codes developed. The Index of codes leads to a library organised according to categories such as Business, Real estate, Law and legal and Sports and athletics. Under Using codes of ethics are guidelines to applying codes to different situations. This is an excellent site for examining ethical frameworks for the Rich Task.
Decision making - Framework
http://www.scu.edu/SCU/Centers/Ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html
These pages provide the questions that need to be answered before codes of ethics are framed. There are links to discussions on what constitutes 'ethics' and on Thinking ethically. Issues in ethics online magazine has plenty of case studies. This is a useful site for discussing what ethics are and how they underpin codes of behaviour.
A.G.E.N. (Australian Gene Ethics Network)
http://www.geneethics.org/
The site has been created by a federation of concerned groups and individuals anxious to promote awareness about the impact of genetic engineering technologies. Though the site appears well researched, it is typical of campaigning sites in presenting a one-sided view and should perhaps be used in conjunction with a government information site. The web owner could be a useful guest speaker representing dissenting viewpoints.
The Courier Mail
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/
The online version of the Queensland daily newspaper includes major local, national and interstate news headlines with links to the expanded articles. The archives can be searched for biographies of scientists profiled. The articles can be downloaded on payment of subscription. The articles could be also useful for compiling a list of guest speakers.
Biography maker
http://www.bham.wednet.edu/bio/biomak2.htm
This is a simple, well-designed program, using a step-by-step approach, which teaches students to write interesting biographies. It is useful for students writing summaries of a guest speaker's contributions to the field of biotechnology.
Business - Get it write
http://learningplace.eq.edu.au/cx/resources/items/9e6ce671-b307-495b-fc06-6cabffb10a8d/1/index.html?backto=close
This site introduces some of the language skills required for writing clear, concise business letters. Use to satisfy the targeted repertoire of practice - etiquette of formal correspondence - when students communicate with proposed guest speakers.
Toastmasters International - Find a club near you (Queensland)
http://www.toastmasters.org/find/results.asp?AREA=australia&STATE=qld
This site could provide a list of contacts for advising students on conference procedures and introduction protocols.
Comprising non-website resources available from a variety of sources.
BALKWILL, Fran 1993, Amazing schemes within your genes, Hove: Collins.
This children's paperback gives the upper primary reader simple explanations and valuable information about genes and the way they determine what we as human beings become. It is useful for introducing genes and genetic engineering at a basic level.
BEATTY, Richard 2001, Genetics, London: Hodder Childrens.
This attractive book provides a background to the science of genetics. Topics such as evolution, genetic engineering, biotechnology and genetically modified organisms, genetics and medicine are discussed. This could be used to introduce the subject of genetic engineering.
BRYAN, Jenny 1995, Genetic engineering, Hove: Wayland.
Written as simply as the complex subject allows, this excellent book discusses the scientific processes and the social and moral ramifications of genetic engineering. Among the areas of discussion are the history of genetic research and Biotechnology. The section, 'Genetic profiles', raises controversial issues such as terminating pregnancies for genetic reasons, gene testing and gene therapy.
HEALEY, Justin (Ed) 2001, Genetics, Rozelle, New South Wales: Spinney.
Genetics discusses many of the major issues such as mapping the human genome, cloning, genetically-modified food, infertility and the ethics of these processes. Wide-ranging articles on the topic are assembled from sources such as government reports and statistics and literature from lobby groups. The possibility of bias enables students to develop their critical faculties when selecting conference speakers.
SNEDDON, Robert 1995, Genetics, Hove: Wayland.
From Charles Darwin to genetic engineering, this book provides an overview of the youngest of sciences and is an excellent introduction to the topic. The style is light and entertaining, inviting young researchers to enquire further.
SPINKS, Peter 1999, Wizards of Oz: Recent breakthroughs by Australian scientists, St Leonards, New South Wales: Allen & Unwin.
Reviewing the achievements of today's Australian scientists, the author, a science journalist, places each in the context of other work in the field, the opinion of peers and the commercial possibilities of their achievements. It includes information on researchers in biotechnology so may be useful for students selecting a guest speaker.
Designer babies. A10846379
This program focuses on genetic technology and the social, economic and ethical implications of genetic manipulation; the structure and functions of DNA; genetic abnormalities; artificial insemination; and embryo transplants. It would be a useful discussion stimulator for identifying a biotechnological process for investigation.
Genetic revival: The last ark. A10507620
This program looks at several Australian animals threatened with extinction and the efforts being made to arrest this trend. Although made in 1991 the program suggests some of the benefits of the new technologies, so extracts could be used for this purpose.
Is GM safe? A10867562
The video looks back twenty-five years to a conference where scientists examined genetically-engineered food and expressed serious concerns. It revisits the issues and interviews the scientists working today to modify foods and the protesters who want all such work to end. This is useful for presenting a balance of views on genetic manipulation.
Smooth operator: The function coordinator. A1086508X
The presentation follows the duties of Mark, the Conference Organizer, as he plans and oversees a conference. The emphasis is on the importance of communication and the ability to get on with people. For students unfamiliar with conference procedures, this is a useful introduction.
AccessEd Video Library online catalogue
http://nslib.qed.qld.gov.au/oau-fvlib/webinqu2.dll?
Video resources may be borrowed from the AccessEd Video Library by Queensland teachers who are registered borrowers.
denotes sites available to AccessClub
users only.
Other resources for Years 7-9 Rich Task #1: Science and Ethics Confer may be found by searching the Curriculum
Exchange collections
, the Library Services collections
or the Internet. The following criteria listed under Keywords and/or Subject are
suggested search terms:
Curriculum level:
Upper primary; Lower secondary
Audience:
Student; Teacher
Subject:
Genetic engineering; Biotechnology; Genetics; Genetically engineered food; Science and society; Scientific ethics; Genetic engineering - Moral and religious aspects; Religion and science; Cloning; Bioethics; Business correspondence; Conferences; Curriculum materials
Dewey number:
660.6
Source:
New Basics Project, Education Queensland
March 2002
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