Links:
CLONING IS COOL!
OBJECTIVE:
Students will discover via research how to clone a living organism
Students will use actual living organisms to create clones
Students will be able to describe how and why these plants are clones
PRIOR LEARNING:
There is no prior knowledge needed with the exception of the difference between plants and animals.
MATERIALS:
As per student request
Computer with internet access
Library reference books
Secondary biology textbook
On hand: soil, shovels, card stock, plants, water, string, pots, plants, protected indoor/outdoor area
WEBSITES/SUGGESTIONS:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
http://www.essortment.com/allplantsclonesho_rvca.htm
http://crescenthydroponics.com/clone.aspx
ROLES IN LESSON:
STUDENT:
Research the methods and possibilities involved in cloning organisms
Research and devise a plan to clone organisms
Obtain materials (through the teacher) to grow and clone their organism of choice
Successfully clone and sustain a number of organisms.
TEACHER:
Assist in selecting, obtaining, or purchasing materials for students
Oversee the research process and aid students if necessary
WRAP UP:
Students will be able to identify the different methods of cloning and determine which methods are feasible for their purposes
Students successfully clone living organisms (plants, bacteria).
Students continue proliferation of their cloned collection.
Students will complete an essay paper describing the information they researched and the methods used to successfully create their clones.
ASSESSMENT:
Cloning is Cool rubric
NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS:
STANDARD 4
Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
Key Idea 2:
Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.
Major Understandings
2.2a For thousands of years new varieties of cultivated plants and domestic animals
have resulted from selective breeding for particular traits.
2.2b In recent years new varieties of farm plants and animals have been engineered by
manipulating their genetic instructions to produce new characteristics.
2.2c Different enzymes can be used to cut, copy, and move segments of DNA. Characteristics produced by the segments of DNA may be expressed when these segments are inserted into new organisms, such as bacteria.
2.2d Inserting, deleting, or substituting DNA segments can alter genes. An altered gene
may be passed on to every cell that develops from it.
2.2e Knowledge of genetics is making possible new fields of health care; for example, finding genes which may have mutations that can cause disease will aid in the development of preventive measures to fight disease. Substances, such as hormones and enzymes, from genetically engineered organisms may reduce the cost and side effects of replacing missing body chemicals.
PRENTICE HALL REVIEW BOOK TOPIC:
Topic 3- Genetic Continuity
EXTENSION/IDEAS:
Hold a plant sale with the plants that have been cloned!
Include informational pieces on the plant containers.
Have students decide how to spend the profits from the plant sale