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Gene Talk

This Genetic Futures workshop, from the Centre for Science Education and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), provided an opportunity for students to think and talk about the potential benefits and problems of an advance in DNA technology by engaging in debate with a panel of experts.

The objective of this workshop was to allow students to interact with practising scientists, ethicists, philosophers and legal experts in order to gain a better understanding of the issues involved.

A 'dilemma' surrounding a current DNA related topic was presented to groups of five students. For example, 'Should people be convicted solely on DNA fingerprint evidence obtained from the scene of a crime?'

Students were invited to give their initial reaction to the dilemma, then after an opportunity to discuss the topic within their groups, a short structured session allowed students to generate questions to ask a panel of scientists and ethicists. This provided the basis for a wider and more open debate. Students were then given time to reflect as a group and later asked to write their decision on a voting card.

Workshop resources
A LIFE FOR A LIFE?

  • briefing sheet for students
  • expert briefing notes
  • questions and voting slips

THE SPOILS OF WAR

  • briefing sheet for students
  • questions and voting slips

TESTING TIMES

  • briefing sheet for students
  • questions and voting slips

GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY

  • briefing sheet for students
  • questions and voting slips

BBSRC is a part of Research Councils UK (RCUK) now UKRI.

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Subject(s)Science, Biology
Age14-16
Published2010 to 2019
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Direct URLhttps://www.stem.org.uk/rxyjx

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