Lesson Plan: Genetically Modified Organisms

Here is a step-by-step guide to using this lesson plan in the classroom/laboratory. We have suggested these steps as a possible plan of action. You may customize the lesson plan according to your preferences and requirements.

Step 1: Topic introduction and discussion

1. Use a set of videos and associated readings, ‘The Science of GMOs’ by Purdue University, to introduce the topic of GMOs to your students
2. Navigate through the tabs at the bottom of the webpage to explain various topics concerning GMOs, as listed below:
   1. What are GMOs?
   2. Why do we use GMOs?
   3. Do GMOs harm health?
   4. How do GMOs affect insects?
   5. How does the regulation process work?
   6. What about GMOs and weeds?
   7. What’s the story on GMOs and labeling?
   8. What is gene editing?Use each section to enable discussions regarding the different aspects of the creation and usage of GMOs in agriculture and industry.

3. Finally, discuss the difference between genetically modified crops and gene edited crops.

Go to the Resource

Step 2: Extend understanding

1. Use the video, ‘How to Make a Genetically Modified Plant’ by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, to explain how genetic engineering techniques are used to modify the genetic material in plants to introduce, remove or regulate certain traits.
2. Discuss, using the examples given in the video, the rationale for modifying certain traits in these plants.
3. Describe, using the video, the molecular components (gene of interest, plasmid, promoter sequence, origin of replication (ORI), regulatory sequences, antibiotic selection gene), techniques (gene-transfer, plasmid selection), and strategies employed to create GM crops.

Go to the Video

Step 3: Discuss further

1. Use the reading, ‘African farmers want GMO seeds to help weather climate change’ by John Agaba, Alliance for Science, Cornell University, to explain to your students how GM crops could possibly bolster food security in several Sub-Saharan African countries that are dealing with failed crops due to climate change.
2. Use the text to emphasize to your students how the GM seeds could be the solution to growing crops that are more resilient in changing climatic conditions.
3. Discuss the various case studies mentioned in the text to explain to your students the different approaches adopted by several African countries to improve their crop yield and crop resilience.

Reading here

Suggested questions/assignments for learning evaluation :

1. What are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)? How are they used in agriculture and industry?
2. What is the difference between GMOs and gene edited organisms?
3. Describe how GMO crops are created.
4. Are GMO crops one possible solution to food and livelihood security in the wake of changing climatic conditions?

The tools in this lesson plan will enable students to:

1. understand what GMOs are and describe their applications across different fields
2. describe how GMOs are created and how they differ from gene-edited organisms
3. discuss how GMO crops could be used as a climate adaptation strategy to ensure food and livelihood security

If you or your students would like to explore the topic further, these additional resources will be useful.