Table of Contents:

Note to reader:

This curriculum project is a collaborative effort between high school instructors who teach in different disciplines. Represented by an agriculture teacher and biology teacher, this curriculum is a fundamental shift in the typical high-school curricular paradigm. The world outside educational institutions does not view life, careers, and learning as one­dimensional segments of information. The problems we solve every day cannot be categorized as social studies, English, science, or business but rather a random combination of these and other disciplines. It is clear that problem solving throughout an individual=s life is a synthesis of information whose roots can be traced back to the latter areas of study. By acknowledging the multi­dimensional nature of life at work, at home, or as a citizen, we designed this thematic curriculum. Neither biology nor agriculture can stand alone. The theories in biology must be viewed in ways that it can be applied. Similarly, all modern progress in agriculture is fundamentally linked to the theory and research in science. A course in biotechnology represents a synthesis of the theory and application that is science.

This is a process driven curriculum designed to be taught in a nine week term with 85 minute classes. Based on the fundamental premise that students learn best when they are actively involved with problem solving, this class is intended to stimulate questions whose answers can best be found through experimentation. Since biotechnology is the use of life to solve problems, students will be challenged to develop solutions to relevant issues and problems whose basis is in biology and agriculture. As an essential aspect of technology, students will develop the lab and basic intellectual skills to evaluate key issues in medicine, nutrition, and agriculture.

Introduction [top of page]

Course Name (Title):

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Course Description (as it would appear in the FLSH registration):

1 Term (1/2 credit : 64 contact hours) Sci. / Agr.

The word biotechnology means different things to different people. In this class you will explore the technological applications of life and living organisms. You will begin by examining the chemical nature of life, the molecular basis of heredity, and the inheritance of traits according to the principals of genetics. Through the direct applications of modern biotechnology lab skills such as cultures, recombinant DNA technology, and gel electrophoresis, you will study plants and animals as they relate to the science of food and feeding our human population. The class closes with a look at the future and ethics of our increasing knowledge. Team taught by teachers from agriculture and science, this class examines both the theoretical and practical applications of the science of life.

(Prerequisite: must be Jr. or Sr. with a minimum 1/2 credit biology and 1/2 credit agriculture or teacher's permission required.)

Course Objectives [top of page]

Element Five:
Applying methods of inquiry needed to conduct research, draw conclusions and communicate and apply findings.

Standard 5.2.1: Understands the processes by which scientific hypotheses are formulated and tested.

Standard 5.3.1: Systematically collects, organizes, evaluates, and communicates appropriate information using primary and secondary sources.

Standard 5.5.1: Applies steps of the scientific method, logical reasoning and creative thinking to answer questions and solve problems.

Element Six:
Understanding and applying scientific concepts in natural and human-made environments.

Standard 6.2.1: Understands the interactions and interdependence of components of biological systems.

Standard 6.2.5: Applies decision-making model(s) to issues involving relationships among the individual, the society, the economy and the environment.

Element Nine:
Understanding the effective management of resources in a household, business, community and government.

Standard 9.5.1: Understands the interaction and interdependence of natural and managed systems.

Course Outline and Focus Question [top of page]

1. Introduction:
   What is Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering?

2. Biochemistry and Cells:
   What chemicals are essential for life and living organisms?

3. Molecular Biology:
   What is DNA and How does it work?

4. Genetics:
   Why can't a mother cow have a baby pig?

5. Microbiology:
   What are bacteria and viruses?

6. Applications of Biotechnology:
   How can we use biology to meet our needs?

7. Ethical Issues:
   When do we go too far?

Learner Outcomes [top of page]

1. Introduction: What is Biotechnology?
   TLW--Discover and research applications of biotechnology
   TLW--Use the science method to solve a problem.
   TLW--Explain the role of biotechnology in our society.
   TLW--Describe the role of genetic variation and natural selection in evolution.

2. Biochemistry and the Cell
   TLW--Relate 5 key elements to the essential compounds of all living organisms.
   TLW--Compare and contrast the the role of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids in life.
   TLW--Explain the role of enzymes in living organisms.
   TLW--Discover the importance of glucose to living organisms.
   TLW--Use a microscope to compare different types of cells.
   TLW--Identify and locate cell structures and relate them to their functions.

3. Molecular Biology
   TLW--Discover the structure of DNA.
   TLW--Explain the way in which genetic material is copied.
   TLW--Describe the structure and function of RNA as is relates to protein synthesis.
   TLW--Explain how proteins are made.
   TLW--Extract DNA from known substances.
   TLW--Discover the value of gel electrophoresis in learning the genetic code.

4. Genetics
   TLW--Relate genes and heredity to DNA.
   TLW--Discover patterns of inheritance in living organisms.
   TLW--Use a Punnet Square to determine patterns of inheritance in monohybrid (1-factor) and dihybrid (2-factor) crosses.
   TLW--Use a computer model to solve genetic/heredity problems.
   TLW--Isolate and fingerprint DNA to discover the infinite potential of the genetic code.
   TLW--Karyotype chromosomes to discover how sex and certain diseases are inherited.

5. Microbiology
   TLW--Describe the characteristics of bacteria.
   TLW--Describe the characteristics of viruses.
   TLW--Explain how the immune system combats pathogens.
   TLW--Use sterile techniques to culture bacteria.
   TLW--Discover why bacteria and viruses are essential tools of biotechnology.
   TLW--Discover how the immune response is used in the development of consumer products, industry, and medicine.

6. Applications of Biotechnology
   

   Plants
   TLW--Explain the anatomical and physical development of plants.
   TLW--Describe the principles of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants.
   TLW--Propagate plant tissue using tissue culture techniques.

   Animals
   TLW--Explain the anatomical and physical development of animals.
   TLW--Describe the principles of reproductions in animals.
   TLW--Explain the digestion process in a ruminant animal.
   TLW--Discover the process of embryo sexing, splitting, and cloning.
   TLW--Apply appropriate techniques in setting up animal tissue cultures.

   Food Science
   TLW--Evaluate the role of biotechnology in consumer foods.
   TLW--Explain how biotechnology is used to insure the safety of food and food processing.
   TLW--Ferment with microorganisms.
   TLW--Produce a dairy product.

   Medical
   TLW--Describe the production, use, and abuse of antibiotics.
   TLW--Explain how vaccines provide immunity to diseases.
   TLW--Use the interactions between antigen and antibody to determine hormone levels.
   TLW--Describe the current research being done on HIV and cancer.

7. Ethical Issues and the Future
   TLW--Research a current issue in biotechnology.
   TLW--Investigate the ethics of genetic engineering and biotechnology.
   TLW--Debate the positives, negatives, and importance of biotechnology.

Curriculum [top of page]

Focus Question: What is Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering?

• What is agriculture?
• What is biology?
• What is biotechnology?
• History of biotechnology?
• What do you do with it?
• Why do it?
• Who does it?
• Careers in biotechnology.

• Lab: Application of Science Method--use fast plants (a biotech product) to assess factors that influence seed germination.

  * open ended

  * discovery

  * hypotheses generation

  * experimentation

  * data collection

  * mature plants used in plant sub-unit

• Research: Use the library, computer CD banks, and text books to investigate a topic or issue in biotechnology.

  * develop written presentation

  * develop oral presentation

  * computer use (internet, cd rom data base, word processing)

• Lesson: Investigate Fundamental Question... What is Biotechnology, the Future and Careers

  * video... "Agriculture Biotechnology A World of Opportunity"

  * curricular materials from National FFA organization.

• Focus on selective breeding vs natural selection.
  ...historical
  ...speciation
  ...domestication

• Wisconsin Fast Plant Seeds (Brassica rapa)
• Potting Materials
• Grow lights and/or greenhouse
• Computers for Word Processing
• Computers for literature and citation search
• Internet access
• National FFA curriculum / lesson on Agricultural Biotechnology.

• Unit Quiz
• Research Paper
• Oral Presentation
• Data Collection (w/ fast plants)

Focus Question: What chemicals are essential for life & living organisms?

• atoms, elements, compounds
• chemical bonds
• life's key elements
• chemical reactions
• organic compounds
• proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids
• enzymes
• carbon - oxygen cycle
• cells & basic structure
• using energy
• fermentation

• Lab: Basic Chemistry--use molecular models to (do)

  * chemical bonding (modeling bonding)

  * make bonds (changing w/ reactions)

  * break bonds with heat and enzymes

• Lab: Life's Essential Molecules--use indicator solutions to experimentally discover essential biological molecules

  * develop hypotheses

  * test hypotheses...

  1. What are they?
  2. How can you test for them?
  3. What's in the food you eat?
  4. Inquiry / discovery w/ hypothesis generation and experimentation

• Lab: What are Cells--use microscopes to determine what is or is not a cell.

  * examine differences between cell types

  * eukaryotes versus prokaryotes

  * characteristics of cell structure & function

  * a study of scale and number... how small are cells, etc...?

• Use microorganisms to model fermentation
  ...make bread?
  ...root beer?
  ...alcohol with yeast and glucose?
  ...or discuss fermentation and food, industry, and medicine Materials:
  • Ball and stick molecular models
  • Plastic molecular model kits
  • Source of starch, glucose, fats / lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
  • Iodine (starch test)
  • Benedicts solution (protein test)
  • Paper bag (lipid / fat test)
  • Diphenylamine (DNA test)
  • TES Tape (glucose test)
  • Microscopes
  • Source of eukaryote and prokaryote cells
  Assessment:
  • Unit Quiz
  • Performance Assessment
    ...hypothesis development
    ...developing a test
  • Performance Assessment
    ...microscope use (focus, size, eukaryote or prokaryote)

   

  Molecular Biology (5 days)

  Focus Question: What is DNA & How does it work?

  Discussion:
  • nucleotides
  • key elements and molecules
  • base pairing
  • DNA and RNA
  • replication, transcription, translation and protein synthesis
  • restriction enzymes (intro... discussed in later unit as well)
  • amplification & cloning (intro... discussed in later unit)
  Class activities:
  • Modelling: The DNA Molecule--use one of many available DNA kits or paper cut out labs

    * model the double helix w/ nucleotides

    * model base pairing (makes abstract more concrete)

    * model replication, transcription, and translation

    * develop unique (& personal way) to demonstrate protein synthesis

  • Lab: DNA Extraction

    * application of science method

    * extract & compare samples

    * use animal tissues, plant tissues, starch solution, and water samples... in which one(s) will the DNA precipitate from?

    * perform test for DNA using diphenylamine amine

  • Lab: Intro to DNA Electrophoresis

    * application of science method.

    * use food coloring as model for DNA.

    * experimental w/ hypothesis formation

    * skill and technique acquisition

    * prepares students for future "authentic" electrophoresis activity.

  Other potential activities:
  • Create 3-dimensional model of DNA molecule
  • Use DNA to trace evolution of
    ...corn
    ...dogs
    ...cows
    ...human, etc.
  • Develop a "play" that portrays protein synthesis
  Materials:
  • DNA / RNA model kit
  • Materials for DNA extraction

    * avian blood, tissues (liver), etc...

    * plant fiber (spinach), leaf matter, etc...

    * starch

    * detergent (store bought... look for EDTA)

    * meat tenderizer (in spice rack in markets)

    * centrifuge

    * filter paper

  • Materials for gel electrophoresis

    * home made (or "pro" quality) gel box (a gel box can be made from a shallow "Tupperware" container and copper wire)

    * agar

    * buffer solution

    * food coloring

    * power source

  Assessment:
  • Unit quiz
  • Demonstration of protein synthesis process
  • Performance Assessment:
    ...use of scientific method to extract DNA
    ...interpretation of gel experiment

   

  Genetics (7 days)

  Focus Question: Why can't a mother cow have a baby pig?

  Discussion:
  • genes and inheritance
  • genes and DNA
  • homozygous and heterozygous
  • dominance and recessiveness
  • Punnet squares
  • F1, F2, F...
  • problem solving
  • disease and disorders
  • genetic counseling
  Class activities:
  • Lab: Modeling Mendelian Inheritance (3 parts)
    1. Using physical model of fictitious organism to mimic inheritance of traits.
       

       predict inheritance from generation to generation

       "mate" individuals to create offspring

       predict inheritance for more than 2 factors

    2. Use Explorer Computer Simulation (Genetics Module)

       making predictions

       testing hypotheses

       linkages, chromosomes, etc...

    3. Use Punnet squares to solve genetic problems

       explore probability and genetics.

  • Lab: PCR and Fingerprinting--use actual DNA to amplify using PCR technique

    * Cut with restriction enzymes (EcoR1, HindIII,...)

    * Fingerprint w/ gel electrophoresis

  • Lab: Karyotype--use Karyotype Kit (from Science Kit) to model karyotyping

    * Use as lesson to discuss human genome project

    * Human genetic disorders

    * Stain plant cells to isolate chromosomes

  Other potential activities:
  • Expected Progeny Difference and Estimated Breeding Value
  • Internet and the human genome
  • Solving crimes with DNA fingerprinting
  • Fruit fly and/or Fast plant experimental crosses
  Materials:
  • Genetics Lab

    * styrofoam balls, pipe cleaners, beads

    * possibility... Milton Bradley "Kooties" game

    * reebops w/ marshmellows etc...

  • Explorer Model

    * Mac or IBM compatible computers

    * Explorer program with Genetic module

  • PCR Lab: Kit #21-1226 from Carolina Biological Supply

    * "Human DNA fingerprinting by polymerase chain reaction"

    * centrifuge

    * micropipettes

    * gel electrophoresis materials

  • Karyotype Lab

    * Human Karyotype Lab: From Boreal, Science Kit co.

    * microscope

    * mitotic plant cells

    * methylene blue

  Assessment:
  • unit quiz
  • genetic problem solving
  • lab skills and write-ups

   

  Microbiology

  Focus Question: What are bacteria and viruses?

  Discussion:
  • bacteria and viruses as pathogens
  • harmful versus helpful
  • antigen and antibody
  • immune system
  • cultures, sterile techniques
  • transformation, plasmids and conjugation
  • engineering with microbes
  • future issues
  Class activities:
  • Lab: Why Sterile Techniques?--experiment with varying degrees of cleanliness

    * set up multiple cultures under multiple conditions

    * scientific method

    * inquiry / discovery

    * compare ways to culture bacteria

  • Lab: Transformation of Bacteria--students use E. coli to transfer information between bacterial culture

    * reinforces concepts learned about DNA

    * antibiotic resistance, selection and future of disease

    * experimental / discovery with hypothesis formation

  Other potential activities:
  • a discussion (video?) on pathogenic disease and vaccines
  • examine use of antigen / antibody reactions by agriculture industry and public
  • blood typing, pregnancy tests, testing for diseases
  Materials:
  • petri dishes
  • nutrient agar
  • incubator
  • Transformation Lab--above plus E. coli cultures, streptomycin plates, MacConkey media, inoculating loop. The lab media and cultures can be obtained from Carolina Biological Supply., Genetic Construction kit #17-1015
  Assessment:
  • Unit quiz
  • Performance assessment
    * making predictions
    * testing predictions
    * sterile techniques

   

  Applications of Biotechnology

  Focus Questions: How can we use biology to meet our needs?

  PLANTS

  Discussion:

  • Plant systems
  • Photosynthesis / Respiration
  • Sexual vs. Asexual Reproduction

  Class activities: A Look Back at Fast Plants

  • Lab: Plant Tissue Culture--propagate plants using tissue culture techniques. Carolina Biological Supply, Sigma Plant Culture ­ St. Louis, MO

  Other potential activities:

  • Genetically altered plants
    * increasing photosynthesis efficiency
    * improving disease resistance
    * plant growth regulators
    * nitrogen fixation
    

  Materials:

  • media
  • test tubes
  • light bank
  • pots
  • soil
  • tweezers
  • bleach, detergent, ethyl alcohol

  Assessment:

  • Unit quiz
  • Tissue culturing techniques and lab write up

  ANIMAL

  Discussion:

  • Animal systems
  • Digestion / Rumination
  • Reproduction Technologies
    * Artificial Insemination
    * Embryo Transfer
    * Embryo Sexing
    * Cloning Embryos
  • Recombinant DNA
    * BST
    * Genetic Engineering in Animals

  Class activities:

  • Lab: Digestion in Ruminant Animals
    Agriscience Fundamentals and Applications. Delmar Publishers, 1991. Lab Manual, First Edition, Exercise #36.
  • Lab: Animal Tissue Culture
    Use this lab to study rate of cell division, controlling factors in cell division, and culturing techniques. We will use pre-cultured cells due to lack of necessary equipment.

  Other potential activities:

  • Genetic transformation
  • DNA fingerprinting and species diversity
  • Genetic engineering
  • Endangered species and zoos
  • Speaker on Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer.

  Materials:

  • digestive tract of cow or sheep
  • dissecting microscope
  • rubber gloves
  • compound microscope
  • scalpel
  • WARD'S Rumen Bacteria Slide
  • jars
  • Tweezers
  • Pre-cultured animal cells

  Assessment:

  • Unit test
  • Lab skills and write-ups
  • Practical quiz on rumen bacteria

  FOOD SCIENCE

  Discussion:

  • food composition
  • food safety
  • fermentation
    * industrial
    * traditional
    
  • food preservation

  Class activities:

  • Inquiry: Food and Biotechnology (container survey)
    * Students bring empty containers from home.
    * Analyze ingredients and look for biotech related production.
    
  • Lab: Fermentation - Root beer and bread
    * exploration by students
    * refocus on biochemistry
  • Lab: Producing Dairy Products - Yogurt and cheese
    * exploration by students
    * refocus on biochem and microorganisms

  Materials:

  • starter cultures
  • hot plate
  • Rennin or Rennilase
  • milk
  • salt
  • Cooking Thermometer
  • cheese cloth
  • yeast
  • flour

  Assessment:

  • Unit test
  • Lab skills and write ups

  MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

  Discussion:

  • antibody
  • antigen
  • vaccines
  • infectious diseases
  • viruses
  • blood typing

  Class activities:

  • Lab: Antigen / Antibody--use antigens and antibodies to detect hormone levels.
    * Home pregnancy tests
    * Target test kits - testing progesterone levels in dairy cows.
    * Blood typing

  Materials:

  • home pregnancy kits
  • predetermined urine samples (can purchase from Wards)
  • Target test kits
  • milk samples - from cows both pregnant and not pregnant
  • blood typing kits
  • slides
  • microscopes

  Assessment:

  • Unit test
  • lab skills and write-ups
  • Antibody/ Antigen problem solving

   

  Ethics and the Future (3 to 4 days)

  Focus Question: When do we go too far?

  Discussion:
  • What are the issues?
  • Is there a right and wrong?
  • Crime / forensics & DNA?
  • Super humans and eugenics
  • Is Jurassic Park possible?
  • Environmental impact / "over-engineering"
  • Saving endangered species
  Class activities:
  • Inquiry: Stage a Debate / Discussion....
    * choose a relevant topic(s)
    * choose topic(s) in the news
    * choose topics of student interest
    * provide library & internet research time
    * hold a debate(s)
  Other potential activities:
  • Making predictions about the future.
    * what will the earth be like
    * how will biotechnology impact humanity
    * how will biotechnology impact ecosystems
  Materials:
  • computer resources
  • library materials
  Assessment:
  • Performance Based:
    * research and preparation for debate
    * debating the issues

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  Other Miscellaneous Aspects of the Course [top of page]

  Final Exam:
  • Final test will include a combination of recalling information & problem solving.
  • In addition... there will be a "skill oriented" performance assessment.
  Field Trips:
  • biotech lab
  • plant breeders (Pioneer, Northrop, King)
  Speakers:
  • AI
  • Embryo transfer
  • Plant Breeder
  • Biotech and Medical Field

  All lab materials may be purchased from Sargeant Welch, Carolina Biological, and Wards Catalogs.

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  Instructional Materials [top of page]

  BSCS Blue Version
  (Biology Text {a molecular approach})., D.C. Heath. 1990.

  BSCS Green Version
  (Biology Text {an ecological approach})., D.C. Heath 1990.

  Burton, L. DeVere, Agriscience and Technology.,
  Delmar Publishers. 1992.

  Herren, Ray V. The Science of Agriculture:
  A Biological Approach., Delmar Publishers. 1997.

  Miller and Levine, Understanding Biology.,
  Prentice Hall. 1991.

  Walter and York, Agriscience Fundamentals and Applications.,
  Delmar Publishers. (Text Book & Laboratory Manual), 1991.

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