Ethical Issues in the Classroom: Ideas for teaching resources Paul Beaumont/Kath Crawford.

Ethical Issues in the Classroom:Ethical Issues in the Classroom:Ideas for teaching resourcesIdeas for teaching resources

Paul Beaumont/Kath CrawfordPaul Beaumont/Kath Crawford

OutlineOutline

Background

Ethical Issues in the Curriculum

Resources:– Example of social biology– TV/Video– GM Case Studies– Food Miles

Ethical IssuesEthical Issues• Social, moral and ethical issues -

more clearly set out in syllabuses

• Social, ethical and legal implications of science to be integrated into the curriculum

• Resources need to be developed

• Training courses should be designed to update teachers

TV/Video The Gift (1995) Y Touring Theatre

Company

2 generations of the Kay family Family has 2 distinguishing

characteristics:

– a marked excellence in sports among some family members

– the presence of a rogue gene that causes Friederich’s ataxia. This disease is rare, crippling and often fatal.

TV/Video

GATTACA (Columbia Tristar).

Set in the future - two classes of people:

– ‘Valids’ whose genetic attributes have been selected before birth,

– ‘In-valids’ who are the result of natural conception.

Bioethical Issues &Bioethical Issues & Specifications Specifications

Scottish Qualifications Authority

Higher Biotechnology:– Discuss case studies of transgenic plants and

animals

Advanced Higher Biology:– Discuss moral and ethical issues relating to the

use of transgenic animals and plants

WJEC 2007 & 2008WJEC 2007 & 2008AS/A2 BiologyAS/A2 Biology

Assessment Objectives AO2 :

Apply biological principles and concepts in solving problems in unfamiliar situations including those which relate to the ethical, social, economic and technological implications and applications of biology

Bioethical IssuesBioethical IssuesThomas et al. (JBE, (2001), 35, 133-140):

..Group project work has been effective in raising students’ self-confidence in a large number of skills.

..Group tasks should be– Related to students’ academic studies– Realistic and draw upon real life issues– Achievable within time allowed– Closely monitored and evaluated

Case StudiesCase Studies

Working in your groups:

Read through your case study and discuss issues within your group.

Formulate a response to the scenario. Produce a group presentation (< 4 min!). Remember - other groups have different

case studies. Detailed tutor notes and copies of case

studies are on the CD.

Case Studies Case Studies - outcomes- outcomes

Some case studies have no obvious answers

We often have different opinionsWider discussion is necessary

Contact:Contact:

E-mail: [email protected]

or [email protected]

or [email protected]

Web: http://www.saps.org.uk