Lindsey Vencill

Socratic Lesson Plan

Text: “Cracking the Code of Life” PBS Nova (through 26 minutes; if time is
limited, begin at around 15 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IgSDVD4QEc

Ideas and Values: Progress, technology, ethics

PRE-SEMINAR
Content: (prepare participants to discuss selected text)

Who might be affected by the results of DNA research and genetic

engineering technology? How do you think they may be affected?
(positively/negatively—explain)

Process: Introduce Socratic seminar format to students and detail

guidelines. Have each student set an individual goal and agree upon a
class goal. Prepare students for self-assessment by distributing rubrics
and discussing.

SEMINAR
Opening:
What emotions did you feel after seeing the story of the Lorde family?
Why?

Core:
What is the main topic being discussed in this video?
How does this topic relate to the story of the Lorde family?

What are some emotions the Lorde family may have experienced upon
learning their children had Tay-Sach’s disease? What specific examples
can you give from the video to support your answer?

How did Tim Lorde feel regarding genetic technology and the Human
Genome Project? How did his circumstances lead him to feel this way?

How do you think genetic engineering technologies could benefit

families like the Lorde family—both now and potentially after future
research?

(At this point, students have probably focused only positive aspects of
genetic engineering technologies). What are possible negative
aspects of genetic engineering technologies?

What criteria do you think researchers should use to determine if a

genetic engineering technique is worth the potential risks involved?
Closing:
 How do you think genetic engineering technology might affect you in
your lifetime?
In what ways can you as an individual shape the future of genetic
engineering technologies?

POST-SEMINAR
Process:
Assess individual and group participation in seminar discussion

Content: (extend application of textual and discussion ideas)

Re-visit pre-seminar question. Write down a short response to the
question. Compare and discuss responses with classmates at the
same desk cluster.
Craft a short final written response that will be submitted along with
self-assessment rubric.