Gene technology and plants-Activities

	Published by Australian Academy of Science
Activities \| More food, cleaner food – gene technology and plants

Biotechnology Australia
- Extracting DNA in your kitchen – describes how to extract DNA from an onion.
- Worksheets – provides a variety of activities (PDF files) relating to the use of biotechnology in food and agriculture production.
InnovatED (IP Australia)
- New plants from old: Lesson 1 – students learn the basics of genetics and plant breeding while gaining an understanding of the rationale behind this scientific practice.
- New plants from old: Lesson 2 – students explore various Australian native plant varieties and investigate plant breeding and plant breeder's rights.
- New plants from old: Lesson 3 – students create a labeled diagram of their new plant breed.
Australian Academy of Science
- Interviews with Australian scientists – supplies an interview with plant scientist Dr Liz Dennis, teachers notes and student activities.
The Helix (CSIRO, Australia)
- GM crops: The food of the future? – students explore the different view-points related to genetically modified (GM) crops.
Careers in Science, Australia
- Biotechnology – an introductory lesson to the study of the structure and manipulation of DNA – students study DNA to supply knowledge useful in their daily life and potential scientific careers.
Iowa State University (USA)
- Student exercise on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Rural Source (New Zealand)
- Genetically modified food (GMF) – provides a range of information on issues surrounding genetic engineering of food, along with classroom discussion topics and activity ideas.
Public Broadcasting Service (USA)
- Genetically-modified foods – students list both pros and cons of genetic engineering and use that information to form a personal opinion.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science (University at Buffalo, USA)
- All that glitters may not be gold: A troublesome case of transgenic rice – students explore social and biological issues surrounding vitamin A deficiency and how 'Golden rice' might address the problem. Case teaching notes are available.
- Frankenfoods? The debate over genetically modified crops – students examine the scientific and ethical issues of agricultural biotechnology. Case teaching notes are available.
- Torn at the genes: One family's debate over genetically altered plants – students discuss the controversial issue of genetic engineering in crops. Case teaching notes are available.

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Page updated July 2008.

The Australian Foundation for Science is also a supporter of Nova.

This topic is sponsored by CSIRO Plant Industry