2.10) Boy or Girl
and
2.11) Blood Types
In June 2000 scientists joined U.S. President Bill Clinton at the White House to unveil the Human Genome Project's "working draft" of the human genome—the full set of DNA that makes us human. This is a digital representation of the human genome that can be seen at the New York City Museum.
Activity: The Ethics of Genetic Modification
Watch the video "Gattaca", a movie about a genetically inferior man who assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel. Length: 1hr 43 mins
As you watch the movie, think about the advantages and disadvantages of genetic modification. How ethical is it to selected characteristics for your child?
Science and Ethics
1) What sort of things about human beings can genes control? What things cannot be controlled by genes?
2) Vincent’s parents hope that his brother would have the best possible chances for a successful life. Some of the traits mentioned in GATTACA included intelligence, height and any possibility of inheritable diseases. If you decided to have a child one day and are given the opportunity to select for special traits, would you do so?
3) What are the positive and negative aspects of the world showed in the movie?
4) What does the movie GATTACA say about DNA determining a person’s potential? Do you agree or disagree. Why????
5) Are we, currently, close to creating designer babies? read the following article "Activitists call for global ban on designer babies genetic modification"
Watch the video "Gattaca", a movie about a genetically inferior man who assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel. Length: 1hr 43 mins
As you watch the movie, think about the advantages and disadvantages of genetic modification. How ethical is it to selected characteristics for your child?
Science and Ethics
1) What sort of things about human beings can genes control? What things cannot be controlled by genes?
2) Vincent’s parents hope that his brother would have the best possible chances for a successful life. Some of the traits mentioned in GATTACA included intelligence, height and any possibility of inheritable diseases. If you decided to have a child one day and are given the opportunity to select for special traits, would you do so?
3) What are the positive and negative aspects of the world showed in the movie?
4) What does the movie GATTACA say about DNA determining a person’s potential? Do you agree or disagree. Why????
5) Are we, currently, close to creating designer babies? read the following article "Activitists call for global ban on designer babies genetic modification"
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