Subject Area
Social Studies

Activity Overview
Genetic engineering involves many issues with multiple viewpoints. In this activity, students will form and express their own position/opinion on a genetic engineering issue by creating a political/editorial cartoon.

Materials
political cartoons (for research)
paper
pens, pencils, markers

Activity Outline
Have students:
1. Investigate how political/editorial cartoons are used to express opinions.
2. Research the use of symbols and images in political cartoons.
3. Use other cartoons as a springboard to plan their own cartoon.
4. Create a cartoon based on their position of an issue involving genetic engineering.
5. Submit their cartoons to the school paper or Explore More Web site, if applicable.

Assessment
Assess comprehension through discussion and development of the cartoons.

Standards and Benchmarks
Civics
Standard 19: Understands what is meant by "the public agenda," how it is set, and how it is influenced by public opinion and the media
Level 3 (Grade 6-8)
1. Knows that the public agenda consists of those matters that occupy public attention at any particular time (e.g., crime, health care education, child care, environmental protection, drug abuse)
2. Knows how the public agenda is shaped by political leaders, interest groups, and state and federal courts; and understands how individual citizens can help shape the public agenda (e.g., by joining interest groups or political parties, making presentations at public meetings, writing letters to government officials and to newspapers)
3. Understands the importance of freedom of the press to informed participation in the political system; and understands the influence of television, radio, the press, newsletters, and emerging means of electronic communication on American politics
4. Knows how Congress, the president, the Supreme Court, and state and local public officials use the media to communicate with the citizenry
5. Understands how citizens can evaluate information and arguments received choices on public issues and among candidates for political office
6. Understands the opportunities that the media provides for individuals to monitor the actions of their government (e.g., televised broadcasts of proceedings of governmental agencies such as Congress and the courts, public officials' press conferences) and communicate their concerns and positions on current issues (e.g., letters to the editor, talk shows, "op-ed pages," public opinion polls)