GENETIC ENGINEERING/ GMO RESEARCH PROJECT EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDELINES

AGRICULTURE BIOLOGY - DICKINSON

In this project you will:

 Dive into deeper research about Genetically Modified Organisms

 Formulate an opinion about the topic
 Present evidence to back up your claim
 Offer evidence of a rebuttal (opposing side)
 Provide thoughts about the future of genetic engineering
 Provide a conclusion based on your research
 Create a visual representation of your research to display to the class for a gallery walk

The following requirements for the research project are as follows: (200 points total)

1. Research paper (100 points final draft, 25 points for rough draft/ peer review)

**For full credit on formatting, all guidelines must be followed. This paper should be 3-4 pages in
length, proper MLA formatting, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, 1 inch margins. Also, please title each
section of the research paper with the bolded headings. Each paragraph must begin with an
introductory sentence, and end with a smooth transition to the following paragraph. Proper in text
citations and a Works Cited page must accompany your research paper.**

a. Paragraph 1: Introduction (what is genetic engineering, brief history and evolution of genetic
engineering over time, intro to the GMO debate, thesis statement*, etc.) 4-6 Sentences * For
your thesis statement: “Based upon the scientific evidence provided, it is clear that genetic
engineering and GMO technology is (BENEFICIAL OR HARMFUL) for the global food and
agriculture system” Choose a side!
b. Paragraph 2: Genetically Modified Organisms (what is a GMO, what are the companies that
create GMO’s, what are three different types of GMO’s, what was genetically modified in these
organisms, are they beneficial/ harmful for humans, farmers, the environment?, GMO labeling,
include 2-3 statistics from resources as well)
c. Paragraph 3: Supporting Evidence: After choosing your position, for or against genetic
engineering, provide 3-5 statements from credible resources to support your claim. Use specific
examples and statistics from sources to support, and offer your own interpretation of the text.
Do not just state your opinions. Your claim must be backed up by scientific evidence!
d. Paragraph 4: Rebuttal: Now that you have supported your position on GMO’s, offer evidence
from the opposing side. Be sure to back up the rebuttal with scientific evidence.
e. Paragraph 5: Conclusion: Offer some concluding remarks about the research you just presented.
This is where you can demonstrate your opinions about this issue. Also, be sure to include
specific examples about the future of genetic engineering and GMO technology (look into CRISPR
technology, future GMO crops, ways to feed a growing population).
2. You will also create a visual representation of your research project. This is for you to demonstrate your
knowledge in a concise way and for you to practice and develop presentation and creativity skills. You
may use the following formats/ software to create your visual representation. You will not be making
individual presentations, but we will conduct a gallery walk to view all of your projects. (75 points)
a. Canva c. PowToon
b. Piktochart d. Physical display board
You may use other means of visually representing your project, but I recommend using the ones above.
GMO RESEARCH PAPER RESEARCH LINKS

You may use the sources we have looked at in class, or others you may find online. If using another
source, be sure to show me so that I can approve it. You do not want to have non-credible sources in a
scientific research paper.

Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects, Book link

http://bit.ly/2sMHEtQ

GMO’s The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

http://bit.ly/2sKSSPB

The Truth About GMO’s

http://bit.ly/2epB28K
Will GMO’s Hurt My Body – Harvard

http://bit.ly/1NS04va

Biology Wise: Pros and Cons

http://bit.ly/2sKVH35

More Pros and Cons of GMO’s

http://bit.ly/2BIOxzd

Future of GMO’s

http://bit.ly/2wB1WGD

GMO Crops Information

http://ti.me/1EUzfUO