Activity Overview
Students will learn about the history of genetic engineering by researching events from its timeline and recognize the causes and effects of those events. A T-chart and presentation will be created to share the information with others.

Materials
Internet access
pens, pencils
paper
presentation software (optional)

Activity Outline
Have students:
1. Examine the GE historical timeline on the Explore More Web site. <www.iptv.org/exploremore/ge>
2. Choose an event on the timeline.
3. Research that event in more detail.
4. Create a T-chart that reflects the cause and effect of the event.
5. Create a presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) that explains the event and its significance.

Students may choose to present their slide-shows to the class

Assessment
Assess the T-chart for students' recognition of cause and effect.

Standard and Benchmarks
Historical Understanding
Standard 2: Understands the historical perspective
Level 3 (Grade 7-8)
1. Understands that specific individuals and the values those individuals held had an impact on history
2. Analyzes the influence specific ideas and beliefs had on a period of history
3. Analyzes the effect that specific "chance events" had on history
4. Analyzes the effects specific decisions had on history
5. Understands that historical accounts are subject to change based on newly uncovered records and interpretations
6. Knows different types of primary and secondary sources and the motives, interests, and bias expressed in them (e.g., eyewitness accounts, letters, diaries, artifacts, photos; magazine articles, newspaper accounts, hearsay)