Subject Area
Social Studies

Activity Overview
Genetic engineering involves many issues that impact the world. In this activity, students will work together to understand the history of genetic engineering and explore the issues by creating a game.

Materials
paper
pens, pencils, markers
glue
art materials (for constructing a board game)

Activity Outline
Students may want to look at other games for inspiration.
Have students:
1. Investigate the history and issues of genetic engineering.
2. Analyze the impact of GE on the continents of Europe, Asia, and North America.
3. Create a game that addresses the history and impact of genetic engineering.
4. Share the games with other classrooms.

Assessment
Assess comprehension by having students playing each others' games.

Standard and Benchmarks
Historical Understanding
Standard 2: Understands the historical perspective
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)

Geography
Human Systems
Standard 11: Understands the patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth's surface
1. Understands the spatial aspects of systems designed to deliver goods and services (e.g., the movement of a product from point of manufacture to point of use; imports, exports, and trading patterns of various countries; interruptions in world trade such as war, crop failures, and labor strikes)

Uses of Geography
Standard 18: Understands global development and environmental issues
1. Understands how the interaction between physical and human systems affects current conditions on Earth (e.g., relationships involved in economic, political, social, and environmental changes; geographic impact of using petroleum, coal, nuclear power, and solar power as major energy sources)