| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: discuss the social and ethical considerations of using genetic screening and gene therapy in medicine |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the purposes and methods of genetic screening and gene therapy.
- Analyze social implications such as equity, privacy, and cultural attitudes.
- Evaluate ethical issues including informed consent, germline editing, and therapeutic vs. enhancement.
- Apply ethical frameworks to a case study of newborn screening for sickle‑cell disease.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Slide deck summarising screening & therapy
- Printed handout with case study (newborn sickle‑cell screening)
- Worksheet for group discussion
- Whiteboard and markers
- Internet access for short video
- Ethical decision‑making cards
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Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a newborn screening laboratory to capture interest. Ask students to recall what they already know about DNA testing and personalised medicine. Explain that today they will explore both the scientific basis and the social‑ethical dimensions of genetic screening and gene therapy, and will be able to articulate key considerations by the end of the lesson.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on key genetic terminology.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of genetic screening methods and gene‑therapy approaches.
- Group analysis (15'): Examine social considerations (equity, public understanding, discrimination, policy, cultural beliefs) and record ideas.
- Ethical framework activity (15'): Using the provided table, discuss consent, privacy, therapeutic vs. enhancement, germline editing, and justice; propose responses.
- Case‑study debate (10'): Newborn screening for sickle‑cell disease – role‑play families, clinicians, and policymakers.
- Whole‑class debrief (5'): Summarise key social and ethical challenges identified.
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Conclusion:
Recap the main social and ethical challenges and how they shape policy decisions. Students complete an exit ticket stating one lingering question and one action they can take to stay informed about genetic technologies. For homework, assign a short reflective paragraph linking today’s discussion to a recent news article on gene therapy.
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