Lesson plan: Ethics of cloning

August 29, 2000
Web posted at: 9:38 p.m. EST (0138 GMT)

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Objectives

Students will:

• Identify benefits and risks of cloning.
• Research bioethics as it relates to cloning techniques.
• Support or oppose cloning techniques.

Standards

National Science Education Standards
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, Content Standard F

High school students understand that individuals and society must decide on proposals involving new research and the introduction of new technologies into society. Decisions involve assessment of alternatives, risks, costs and benefits and consideration of who benefits and who suffers, who pays and gains, and what the risks are and who bears them. Students should understand the appropriateness and value of such basic questions as "What can happen?" "What are the odds?" and "How do scientists and engineers know what will happen?"

Suggested time

One to two class periods

Materials

CNNfyi article, "Cloning complications"
Internet access
Science and/or health journals and magazines

Procedures

1. Lead a class discussion on cloning in general and/or the bioethical issues involved. Have students read the CNNfyi article "Cloning complications," then ask the following:

• What proposed action by the British government prompted the cloning debate? What are Germany and the United States considering doing about their current cloning regulations?
• What are stem cells, and what does the research of them entail? What are the benefits of stem cell research, according to British physician Liam Donaldson and other scientists referred to in the article? What is eugenics? Do you think that this will be an accepted practice in the scientific community in the future? Why or why not?
• Why do you believe that the development of cloning techniques incites fear and debate? How might cloning techniques, such as stem cell or embryo research, be useful for medical research? How do you feel about cells or embryos being used for research? According to the article, what groups oppose the research in the United States and why? Joerg-Dietrich Hoppe, chairman of the Federal Chamber of German Doctors, said, "This will be the first time in history that humans themselves will be used to supply raw materials. No one should seek to go it alone." What do you believe he meant by that statement?

Accommodation

Linguistic: Have students write a story depicting how civilization might change if cloning animals or humans becomes an accepted practice.

Evaluation

Instruct students to use their research to write a position statement in support or opposition to any cloning techniques, along with a detailed rationale.