Genetic Justice
In recent years biologists have made amazing discoveries that at one time were considered the realm of science fiction. They have discovered the structure of DNA, unlocked the genetic code of human beings, and learned how to alter cells. For instance, scientists have developed technologies that allow parents to select characteristics of their children, directly edit genes for future generations, and use stem cells to heal the body. While these technologies have great potential to promote human well being, what are the potential costs? In allowing us to transcend our natural limits, do they threaten human dignity or do they help us to reach our potential? These questions, and others, will be explored in the Genetic Justice Project. In Biology students will investigate the genetics and genetic technologies. In Humanities they will explore the ethical implications of that science.
Exhibition Night
Our exhibition is loosely modeled after the process conducted by the Presidential Commission for the Study of Biomedical Issues. The commission is made up of experts in the fields of science, philosophy, law, and business who make policy recommendations to the President of the United States.
Likewise, our exhibition includes a panel of students who role play various specialists tasked with answering the question, “Should we allow enhancement technologies”? These panelists will publicly deliberate on the issue after seeking advice from students and guests who discuss the question in small breakout groups. This is an interactive exhibition where parents are encouraged to participate and to contribute to group discussion with students.
Likewise, our exhibition includes a panel of students who role play various specialists tasked with answering the question, “Should we allow enhancement technologies”? These panelists will publicly deliberate on the issue after seeking advice from students and guests who discuss the question in small breakout groups. This is an interactive exhibition where parents are encouraged to participate and to contribute to group discussion with students.
Exhibition Night Slideshow
Chapbooks
Chapbooks are inexpensive do it yourself publications that are meant for popular consumption. Today, they are often associated with poetry but they can include a variety of artistic, social, and scientific topics. For this project, groups of students made multi-genre chapbooks related to to ethical implications of particular genetic technologies. Here are some examples:
Example 1 - Designer Babies
Example 2 - Gene Doping
Example 3 - Stem Cell Crowdsourcing
Example 1 - Designer Babies
Example 2 - Gene Doping
Example 3 - Stem Cell Crowdsourcing
Websites
A series of student panels were conducted in school during the lead-up to exhibition night. Each panel group created a website that presented their research and their recommendation. Here are examples of the websites: