Science Controversies
Elective 06 — Bioethics Debate Club
Target Phenomenon
GMOs, cloning, genetic testing, animal testing. Who decides what’s right?
NGSS Standards
- HS-LS3-1 — Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring. (Gene technology)
- HS-LS2-8 — Evaluate evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species chances to survive and reproduce. (Evaluate solutions)
Lesson Breakdown
| Lesson | Title | Focus | NGSS Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| L01 | What’s the Debate? | Learn argument structure; explore 4 controversies | Asking Questions |
| L02 | Research & Build | Investigate one controversy; construct evidence-based position | Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information |
| L03 | Showdown | Formal debate with peer evaluation | Engaging in Argument from Evidence |
Total: 3 lessons
Recommended Prior Module
None — standalone. No prerequisites.
Notes
Argumentation and evidence evaluation. Can be used as a writing/communication module.