Introduction Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Culminating Experience National Standards   Introduction Enduring Idea: Throughout history people have been changing food and plants. Now, with current information about DNA and the cell, agricultural biotechnology is helping to create new products for our future. Take your students on a journey through the history of biotechnology from the past to the future. Start by allowing your students to see that humans have been making changes to agriculture and food for centuries. It is a part of human nature to search for better ways of doing things. Agricultural biotechnology is a new way of producing plant products that is going to change our future! In order to understand how biotechnology works, students must first examine cells and DNA. Once they develop an understanding of biology, students can begin to discuss the implications of genetic engineering. This unit of study will help them uncover the products, possibilities, controversies and implications of this innovative science! What will students learn? Experiences in this unit help students achieve standards in: Science Language Arts Social Studies Math Unit lessons integrate science, language arts, social studies and math. Each learning experience is designed to address specific academic standards for grades 6, 7 and 8. What's ahead? The History of Biotechnology During these experiences, students research the Biotechnology Time line posted on The Children's Museum Website. Students define biotechnology-related terms, research famous scientists and organize scientific discoveries chronologically as they prepare presentations on the development of biotechnology. Cells During these experiences, students review cell parts and functions. Students create a cell model using the layout of their school as a template. Students evaluate each cell presentation and choose which cell model best depicts the qualities of an actual cell. DNA - The Code of Life During these experiences, students create DNA models using paper clips. Students follow directions and use scientific equipment measuring accurately to successfully extract DNA from wheat germ. Culminating Activity - Agricultural Biotechnology of Tomorrow In this experience, students identify agricultural issues, devise possible solutions and create displays to share with the class. What will students be able to do? Unit Goals: Define agricultural biotechnology and discover its history by investigating the time line found on The Children's Museum Website. Travel back in time to research and then present a person, topic or event involved with the development of agricultural biotechnology. Describe a cell and its parts as well as apply this knowledge to make an analogy between their school and the parts of a cell. Create a unique model of DNA and extract DNA from wheat germ Identify and present common agricultural issues and create solutions to these issues by incorporating biotechnology Getting Started Family Connections: Before beginning this unit, let families know that your class will be looking at the science of biotechnology. Many families have relatives who are farmers, scientists or nutritionists who could come to the class to speak. Also keep in mind that this science is still very new and often misunderstood by the public. Some parents may express reservations about the topic of genetically modified organisms. Assure them that this unit is designed to help students gain an understanding of the science behind the issues and therefore allow them to make better-informed judgements. This unit does not suggest that biotechnology is a blanket solution for problems we face as humans. Encourage families to discuss these kinds of issues with their students. Also encourage them to keep an eye out for newspaper and magazine articles about biotechnology and send them to school with their students. Let families know ahead of time when the Biotech Fair will be held and invite them to observe. Classroom Environment: Create a rich environment full of resources where your students can find information in books, pamphlets, posters, models and current-event publications. Access to the Internet is also important for this unit. Museum Links Using resources in the community as supplements to this unit can enhance students' learning. A visit to the Biotechnology Learning Center at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis can provide a unique opportunity for your students to learn more about biotechnology. With the financial and intellectual support of DOW AgroSciences, the BLC has become a place for teachers, students and families to discover the possibilities of biotechnology. Look for Museum Links throughout this unit for suggested museum resources. Many of the print selections listed in the Resources section of the lessons are available through infoZone, a branch of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library located in The Children's Museum. Professional development opportunities related to biotechnology and other museum resources are also available. To register for these, call (317) 334-4000 or visit the museum's Website. Glossary: Please see the museum's Website at http://www.childrensmuseum.org/biotech/glossary.htm for a glossary of words used in this unit of study.

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