This guide is designed to foster an understanding of the basic concepts underlying biotechnology through simple activities that are fun and creative for third to fifth graders. It contains 4 units that will lead young students to an appreciation of how biotechnology is possible and some of its applications. The process of learning is intended to build awareness of how biotechnology can affect us without the fear that often arises with the subject.
Each unit contains a number of activities which can stand alone or be used in sequence. The lessons vary in preparation and class time, so you may select those activities that suit your circumstances. However, we recommend that you begin the subject with the first activity, "Abundance of Apples," as an introductory piece.
When preparing each lesson, review the objectives of the unit, the background material, the purpose of the activity, and the activity outlines. All the materials you will need for each activity are listed. Practice the activities beforehand and feel free to use substitutes if suggested materials are unavailable.
Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the discussion guidelines and the processing sections. The activities are designed to help students learn using a discovery process rather than be told what to think. Thus, it is important to maintain the element of surprise or mystery while using many of these activities. Then, use the discussion guidelines to help students understand and make sense of what they observe. The processing section, together with the background information and the activity outline will help you highlight the main points of the activity. Since most of the questions are "open-ended," it is best to treat all answers as possible solutions. Then, help students to see why some solutions may be more appropriate.
Lessons may last one hour using about two or three activities. Allow sufficient time for discussion after the activity so that students can process the lesson before moving on to another activity.