Class case study: Ethics of genetically modified foods
| Year | Range | Curriculum | Strand |
|---|---|---|---|
9-10 |
Lower Secondary |
Science
|
Nature of Science |
Download class case study
Overview
This class case study provides an example of introducing ethical thinking into the classroom to explore a controversial issue in science. It shows how the ethical frameworks in the Ethics thinking tool and a range of classroom activities can be integrated to scaffold ethical thinking. In this example, year 9 students considered the ethics of genetically modified foods.
This case study formed part of the research prior to developing the Ethics thinking tool and, as such, uses ideas that informed the development of the tool and not the tool itself. The Ethics thinking tool provides additional support to help structure students’ thinking and decision-making using ethical frameworks.
Purpose
To explore how genetic modification may impact on food production in the future and ethical issues associated with this. To introduce a range of ethical approaches that can be used to support ethical decision-making.
Keywords
Genetically modified foods, future foods, ethics, using ethical frameworks.
Useful links
Genetic modification in New Zealand
The Ministry for the Environment website explains genetic modification and the regulations surrounding it in New Zealand.
www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/hazards/gm-nz-approach-jun04/genetic-modification-new-zealand
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
GM foods and how they are regulated is explained on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website.
www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/gmfoods/
News item: Novel crops could mean less pesticide
New Zealand scientists are seeking approval to conduct a small scale field trial of genetically modified brassica plants.
Novel crops could mean less pesticide
News item: GE ice-cream fishy?
Genetic engineering (GE) is being used to produce copies of a fish protein to use as an ingredient in ice-cream.
GE ice cream fishy
News item: ERMA approves GE onion trial
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved an application from Crop & Food Research, now called Plant & Food Research, to field test genetically modified onions and other members of the allium family, such as spring onions, leeks and garlic.
Erma approves ge onion trial
RNZ audio: Genetically modified brassicas approved
An interview with Libby Harrison from the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) following the decision to allow field trials of genetically modified brassicas.
Genetically modified brassicas approved
RNZ audio: Genetically modified brassica trials, part one
Part one of two programmes looking at issues raised by a proposed field trial of genetically modified vegetables.
Genetically modified brassica trials part one
RNZ audio: Genetically modified brassica trials, part two
Part two of two programmes looking at issues raised by a proposed field trial of genetically modified vegetables.
Genetically modified brassica trials part two
Metadata
- Published:
- 17 December 2010
