In “The Biotech Game of Life,” which is similar to the Game of Life, each player is a scientist attempting to successfully bring his or her biotechnology product to the market. During the game, players will face many obstacles before obtaining a successful product and the first one to accomplish this wins. Below are the instructions, which provides more details on the game, and links to the game board and play money (pdf files). Note, that like the real thing, it is quite challenging to finish the game.To add more content to this activity, you can have students conduct reserach on their assigned ¨idea¨ from the beginning of the game.  I have them conduct the research and share out with their classmates about their topic BEFORE we start to play the game.  Additionally, at the end of the game, you can have them conduct research on regulations and trials currently impacting the biotechnology industry.  

Students analyze data about biotechnology using the skills assessed in the ACT Exam.  Students have to interpret the information in different types of data- tables and graphs.  Then they need to analyze the data that is given to them.

Students read a scientific article about a research study done in India about genetically modified cotton.  Upon finishing the article student answer a number of literacy based questions about the article to both assess their vocabulary and understanding of the content of the article.  This is a great quick assignment to allow students to practice literacy as well as introducing them to a higher level reading material.  

Students research and construct an oral debate about a topic related to Genetically Modified Organisms.

Students read two articles about transgenic animals (EnviroPig and Spider Goat).  With each article there are some guiding questions to make sure students understand the information in the articles.  At the end of the worksheet, student then need to form their own opinion about transgenic animals and construct a short essay about their thoughts on transgenic animals.  Allows students to utilize literacy concepts in biotechnology.