W6

When you’re having a child, it’s impossible to tell what they will be like and who they will eventually become. But what if you could genetically modify your child? What would you prioritise if you could choose? 

·  With the partner assigned to you, you are now a couple in the year 2035 “shopping” for your first baby.

·  Genetic modification costs a lot of money, you only have enough to modify three (3) traits.  Each partner individually select and write down the 3 most important traits you would choose, in reverse priority order

·  Taking turns, state a trait you have chosen and explain your reasoning. ( Partners are not allowed to comment during this activity.)

·  Come to a decision about the three traits, in priority order, and the career field.

o   Produce a poster with images (draw, internet, collage) to show your “designer baby” as a baby. Label the modified traits on it. Give your child a name.

o   Add you poster to a gallery display around the room.

o   Go on a “tour” to see what other “parents” have chosen. Consider the following as you move:

·      Which, if any traits would you not have chosen? Why?

·      Do you consider any of these choices unethical?

o   After your tour, discuss your responses with your partner.

·  Your teacher will now allocate you and your partner a “for” or “against” position for this modification. The other pair of your group will have the opposite position.

·  Use at least two resources to research one of the proposed genetic modifications:

Apply ABCDE to evaluate the validity of the information and prepare a position argument (not a debate, ie you will not engage with the opposition pair.) 

o   Come to a position on the modification:

·      You are parents who want to have a baby. You have read of a new advance in genetics where scientists can genetically modify a trait you particularly want/need for your child. (choose one form your baby.)  At this time, the Federal Government has not approved this genetic modification. You have come to Federal Parliament to argue the case for your baby to have the genetic modification.

·      You are a panel of scientists who have serious concerns about the possible results of interfering with babies. You have come to Federal Parliament to argue the case that this modification is not good/dangerous for society. 

Traits: Teacher Resource: https://onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/designing-the-perfect-baby/