Mr. Rott's Science Room
  • Welcome
  • IB Biology
    • Cell Biology
    • Membranes
    • Molecular Biology
    • Proteins
    • DNA
    • Transcription & Translation
    • Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology
    • Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
    • Plant Biology
    • Evolution & Biodiversity
    • Ecology
    • IA & Statistical Analysis Resources
  • Biology
    • Bacteria Inquiry Unit
    • Feeding the World
    • Cancer
    • Rise of Superbugs
    • Got Tuna?
    • Dogs Decoded
    • Waste Water Unit
    • Global Climate Change Unit
    • Human Impact Unit
    • Spring Inquiry Unit
  • Resources
    • Graphing & Calculations
    • What Statistical Test Do I Use?
    • What Graph Do I Use?
    • Scientific Method
    • Biology Video Lectures
    • TuHS Vernier Sensors
    • Proficiency FAQ
    • Project Based Learning
    • Citing Sources
    • Welcome Back Night Presentations
    • Google Docs & Tech Courses >
      • Beginning Google Apps
      • Advanced Google Apps
      • Creating a Google Classroom
  • About Mr. Rott

Feeding the World

PictureGMO Corn, The Huffington Post
 For hundreds of years, humans have selectively bred species.  Farmers selected crops with the best traits,  dogs with the most favorable traits, livestock that produced the best milk/eggs/meat.  These are all examples of selective breeding and cause a species to change over time.

 Today, humans can still cause species but on a far more advanced level.  Using modern DNA technology humans have the capability to manipulate species on a genetic level; species can have their traits modified now by manipulation of DNA rather than just selective breeding.  For example, corn has been genetically modified to increase overall production, have resistance to insects, shorter growing cycles, etc.  This is an example of a genetically modified organism (GMOs).  GMOs have become extremely common; believe it or not, you have probably consumed a GMO!  

This unit will examine how GMOs are produced while examining whether they provide a solution to the issue of global hunger. 

Unit Question:

Are GMO’s the most effective, safe, and inexpensive way to provide food for the 7 billion human people on Earth?

Unit Product:

Students will justify a solution to the global hunger epidemic by creating a research-based product to share their solution.

Unit Skills:

  • Skill 1: Asking questions & defining problems
  • Skill 2: Developing & using models
  • Skill 6: Constructing explanations & designing solutions
  • Skill 7: Engaging in arguments from evidence
  • Skill 8: Evaluating sources

Unit Content:

  • I can outline how DNA is used to produce proteins
  • I can assess factors that influence the carrying capacity of an ecosystem

Additional Resources

GCAT & GCAU 

Readings:
  • US News: GMO Crops are Safe: A review
  • Wired, Cow Milk Without the Cow
  • The Debate About GMO Safety is Over
  • Engadget, Scientists create first genetically modified human embryo
  • USA Today, Washington state battles over genetically modified food
  • Washington Post, Genetically modified food: What is and isn't true 
  • NY Times, Why aren't GMOs labeled?
  • The Guardian: Synthetic Biology & the Rise of the "Spider Goat" 
  • World Food Program: Hunger Statistics
  • 2013 World Hunger and Poverty Facts & Statistics
  • Washington County, Oregon Hunger Statistics
  • USA Today Genetically Engineered Food 
  • NY Times: Golden Rice, Lifesaver?
  • Oregon Live: 2013 GMO Bill Summary
  • NY Times: That Fresh Look, Genetically Buffed (GMO modified apples that don't brown)
  • The Verge, Illegal genetically modified food outbreak
  • Gizmodo: Researches Bioengineer Bacteria that "poop" Gasoline
  • Oregon Mandatory Labeling of GMO's Initiative, Ballot Measure 92
  • Journal of Animal Science: Prevalence & Impact of GMO on Livestock
  • The Verge, Can GMOs end Hunger in Africa?​

Presentations & Animations:
  • Tour of the Basics: Genes, Chromosomes, DNA & Heredity
  • How Fireflies Make Light

Videos:

Protein Synthesis

​Feeding the World Unit Warm-Ups
Feeding the World Student Schedule
Feeding World S&P Vocabulary
Feeding World E&R Vocabulary

Genes, Chromosomes & DNA

BBC Knowledge Explainer DNA from Territory on Vimeo.

GMOs

What are GMOs?

Population Growth & Global Wealth Distribution 

Ted Talk: Global Population Growth
Khan Academy: Exponential & Logistic Growth

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.