Genetic Ethics in Hawaiʻi: GMOs in Hawaiʻi

The following open access articles provide background into the ongoing controversy of GMO technology in the islands. Teachers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this conflict and introduce this context to their students prior to the exercise.

This exercise connects the technology of genetic modification to a particular local context in Hawaiʻi with the goal of promoting civic engagement. Students will respond to a real piece of legislation with their own judgment in the form of written and/or oral testimony backed up by cited evidence. This lesson assumes they understand how genetic modification works and are familiar with how a bill becomes law.

The testimony can be submitted in written form, or students can publicly deliver their 3 min testimony in class. Alternatively, to conserve class time, this exercise works just as well as a Flipgrid assignment.

Learning objectives

• How are GMOs implemented locally in Hawaiʻi?
• How to prepare legislative testimony, a specific form of persuasive communication.

Lesson slides

Lesson materials

Assessment

Teachers are encouraged to provide feedback to their students based on one or more of the following criteria:

1. The soundness of their logical arguments
2. Their demonstrated understanding of GMO technology
3. The accuracy of their supporting evidence
4. The overall impact of their statement