Subject Area
Social Studies

Activity Overview
Genetic engineering allows you to take genes from just about any organism and splice them into another organism's genetic makeup. Imagine a tomato that can grow in cold climates because it contains a gene from a cold-resistant fish. During this activity, students will work together to identify plants and animals native to different parts of the world and make connections to create new, "improved" species which can be used to create new varieties of food, clothing, or shelter.

Materials
magazines, newspapers, periodicals
paper
glue
pens, pencils, markers

Activity Outline
Working in groups, students will investigate plants and animals native to different parts of the world as initial research.
Have students:
1. Locate and collect pictures of plants and animals that could be paired to form new varieties of food, clothing, or shelter. If pictures are not available in magazines, drawings could be used.
2. Glue their animal/plant creations onto paper and write a sentence that justifies the new variety of plant or animal life.
3. Name the new organism.
4. Display their creations.

Assessment
Assess comprehension by having students share their creations and explain the new organisms' benefits to society.

Standards and Benchmarks
Geography
Places and Regions
Standard 4: Understands the physical and human characteristics of place
Level 3 (Grade 6-8)
2. Knows the physical characteristics of places (e.g., soils, land forms, vegetation, wildlife, climate, natural hazards)