Amino Acid Lab: Biochemical Evidence and the Spectrum of Beliefs

On Day 1 of the Evolution Unit, you placed yourself on the Spectrum of Beliefs. What would your school of thought say about DNA/Amino Evidence that you have collected in the Amino Acid Lab? You may want to do some research on the internet to come with an educational comment.

Cathedrals or Bricks?

Read the story below and answer the questions at the bottom of the post:

"Once there were 3 bricklayers. Each one of them was asked what they were doing.The first man answered gruffly, 'I'm laying bricks.'The second man replied, 'I'm putting up a wall.'But the third man said enthusiastically and with pride, 'I'm building a cathedral.'" --Author Unknown

To summarize, when you face challenges, when you feel discouraged, when you feel like you will never reach success, remember the story of The Three Bricklayers and look at your attitude and visualize the "Big Picture!"

Attitude: "...mastering change rather than allowing it to master you." It's all in your attitude!

See the "Big Picture:" "Give yourself an even greater challenge than the one you are trying to master and you will develop the powers necessary to overcome the original difficulty." William Bennett

1. Briefly describe your first semester story. Have you just laid bricks or have you attempted to build a cathedral? Share your 1st semester story with the rest of the class.

2. What are your GOALS for the rest of this semester as well as next semester? How can you move closer to the completion of that cathedral? What can you do differently? How can you challenge yourself? Inspire your classmates and yourself!

Spectrum of Beliefs - Where do you fall?

Using the picture, the linked video below and any other research you can gather, please answer the following questions:

Why Is It Controversial?
What do you think? Where do you fall on the spectrum and why (Don't Forget The Why)?

**Please make sure to reads others responses! Your comment should include a conversation with others in Biology.

If you click on the picture it will link you to a web site describing the beliefs listed in the spectrum. If you would like to watch the 6 minute video (you are not required to watch the video) before you answer the questions, please do so. The video interviews people from all sides of the issue and can be found by clicking on the blue link above.

What is Evolution? Period 4 11/7/11

What is Evolution? Period 3 11/7/11

What is Evolution? Period 2 11/7/11

What is Evolution? Period 1 11/7/11

Changing Genes to Change Lives

During our study of genetics, we will be exploring the ethical issues of genetic testing, disorders, cloning, and biotechnology. Please comment on TWO of the THREE posts below. Remember that everyone can read your thoughts, so make sure they are appropriate and well-written. It is probably a good idea to type your response into Microsoft Word, then simply copy and paste it as your blog comment. Check back to see how the class has responded to what you have to say. Your comments are DUE by Friday, November 4th.

Issue #1: Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research is highly debated in science, medicine, and even government.

Click below to enter the tutorial on Stem Cells:http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/ (the website has changed so click on a tiny hyperlink at the top of the page that says "they may be archived here."

Spend some time completing the two interactive explorations: What Are Stem Cells? and What Are Some Different Types Of Stem Cells?

You will also want to look through some of the shorter links on the right side of the tutorial: What Is The Goal Of Stem Cell Research?, Stem Cell Therapies Today, and Stem Cell Therapies In The Future.

Now that you have some background, please respond to the following questions:

1. You read about the different types of stem cells ranging from embryonic to adult. In your opinion, do embryonic stem cells represent human life? Are you ok with the use of some stem cells and not others? Explain.

2. Should the government provide funding for embryonic stem cell research? Should there be laws to regulate stem cell research?

Issue #2: Cloning

Cloning is another hot topic in the news today. Click below to enter the tutorial on Cloning:http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/cloning/

Spend some time completing the two interactive explorations: What Is Cloning? and Click and Clone.

You will also want to look through some of the shorter links on the right side of the tutorial: Why Clone?, Cloning Myths, and What Are The Risks Of Cloning?

Now that you have some background, please respond to the following questions:

1. You read about some of the main reasons for cloning--to study human diseases in animals, cloning stem cells for research, reviving endangered or extinct species, and cloning humans. In your opinion, is cloning ok? Are you ok with some types of cloning and not others? Explain.

2. One of the myths regarding cloning is that clones are carbon copies of the original (when in fact, there are environmental influences that would create major differences.) What is your opinion on the "Nature vs. Nurture" argument? How greatly are we influenced by our genes? By our environments?

Issue #3: Gene Therapy

A final "hot topic" we will consider is Gene Therapy.

Click below to enter the tutorial on Gene Therapy:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/genetherapy/

Spend some time reading through the Learn More links: What Is Gene Therapy?, Choosing Targets For Gene Therapy, and Challenges In Gene Therapy.

If you choose, you can also complete the Interactive Explorations: Tools Of The Trade and Cystic Fibrosis: Case Study.

Now that you have some background, please respond to the following questions:

1. When should gene therapy be used? Should it be used to treat critically ill patients? Should it be used to treat babies and children?

2. Who should decide what are "good" or "bad" uses of genetic modifications? How do you define "normal" with regard to human beings?

3. Who will have access to gene therapy? Will gene therapy and genetic enhancements create an advantage for those who can afford it?