Science Time
Program Content for May 3, 2017
Access the recently released Newspapers in Education (NIE) ‘Science and Technology in Agriculture’
special insert section here for this week’s Science Time. Note, this lesson is designed specifically for the
‘Engineering for Conservations and Sustainability’ section on page 6.
Objective

I can explain what GMOs are and how they are created.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) connection
Connections to Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science - Interdependence of Science,
Engineering, and Technology

Engineering advances have led to important discoveries in virtually every field of science, and
scientific discoveries have led to the development of entire industries and engineered systems.
Pre-reading and Vocabulary: Define each term and then use it in a sentence to demonstrate your
understanding.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
organism
trait
replicated
conventional
gene
Comprehension Questions
Article paragraph 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What does the abbreviation GMO stand for?
What does GMO mean?
What does DNA contain codes for?
What do proteins do for cells?
Once an organism has its DNA changed explain what happens.
Article paragraph 2
6. How many cells are engineered when a new plant is being developed?
7. What happens after a desired trait is verified?
8. What happens after the first crop is grown?
Questions for the remainder of the article
9. Besides GMO technology, what are two (2) other methods that have been used to create new
plant varieties like ruby red grapefruit?
10. How long have genetically modified organisms existed?
11. Why were bacteria chosen as the first organism to be genetically modified?
12. What are two (2) benefits of genetic engineering?
Prompts and Extensions
1. Watch to learn how GMOs are made through the case study of the Hawaiian papaya industry.
Note, it may be helpful to show this video prior to reading the Science Time article for this week.
Science Time is posted to the Web on Wednesdays. Please share this NIE Science Time program with other teachers. To
sign-up for the electronic edition for your class, please register
Copyright © 2017 The Seattle Times Company
2. This video provides a look back to 1994 and the story behind the first approved genetically
modified food; tomatoes.
3. Visit the following website for more background information on GMOs, scenarios related to GMOs
and an explanation of the risks and benefits of this agricultural technology. After visiting the
website create a chart detailing the risks and benefits of genetically modified foods. When finished
creating your chart; write a paragraph detailing your position on GMOs; provide evidence from
your research to support your response.
4. The latest breakthrough in genetic engineering is called CRISPR Cas-9. Take a look here and
here to learn more about CRISPR and how this new technology may shape our future.
Science Time is posted to the Web on Wednesdays. Please share this NIE Science Time program with other teachers. To
sign-up for the electronic edition for your class, please register
Copyright © 2017 The Seattle Times Company