«Types of GMO»

Topic: «Types of GMO»

Lesson objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

* explain what GMO means;

* identify the main types of genetically modified organisms;

* distinguish between genetically modified plants, animals and microorganisms;

* describe examples of GMO and their purposes;

* discuss advantages and possible concerns related to GMOs;

* use new vocabulary related to biotechnology and genetic modification.

Lesson type

Combined lesson with elements of discussion and group work.

Teaching methods

Brainstorming, explanation, group work, matching, discussion, presentation, quiz and reflection.

Equipment

Presentation, pictures, cards, worksheets, board, markers, video.

LESSON PROCEDURE

I. Organizational moment – 2 minutes

Teacher:

– Good morning, students! I am glad to see you. Today we are going to discuss an interesting and controversial topic – Types of GMO.

– Are you ready to explore the world of genetic modification?

Students greet the teacher and prepare for the lesson.

II. Warm-up «What do you know about GMO?» – 5 minutes

The teacher writes GMO on the board.

Students answer the questions:

1. What does GMO stand for?

2. What comes to your mind when you hear the word GMO?

3. Have you ever seen GMO products?

4. Where can GMOs be used?

Students give their ideas.

Expected answers:

* food;

* agriculture;

* medicine;

* bacteria;

* plants;

* animals;

* biotechnology.

III. Introduction to the topic – 5 minutes

Teacher’s explanation

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism.

A GMO is an organism whose genetic material has been changed using biotechnology.

Genetic modification can be used to give an organism a particular characteristic, for example:

* resistance to insects;

* resistance to diseases;

* improved nutritional characteristics;

* longer shelf life;

* production of useful substances.

The main groups of GMOs are:

1. Genetically Modified Plants

Examples include genetically modified:

* corn;

* soybean;

* cotton;

* canola;

* papaya.

They may be modified to improve resistance to pests, diseases or environmental conditions.

2. Genetically Modified Animals

Examples include genetically modified:

* fish;

* insects;

* laboratory animals.

Genetic modification in animals can be used in scientific research, agriculture and medicine.

3. Genetically Modified Microorganisms

These include:

* bacteria;

* yeast;

* fungi.

They can be used to produce medicines, enzymes, vitamins and other useful substances.

IV. Group work «Classify the GMO» – 8 minutes

Students are divided into three groups.

Group 1 – Plants

Students receive cards with examples and identify genetically modified plants.

Group 2 – Animals

Students identify examples of genetically modified animals.

Group 3 – Microorganisms

Students identify examples of genetically modified microorganisms.

Each group prepares a short presentation.

Task:

Name the organism → identify the type of GMO → explain why it may be genetically modified.

V. Matching activity – 5 minutes

Students match the GMO type with its possible application.

1. GM plants

2. GM animals

3. GM microorganisms

A. Production of medicines

B. Pest resistance

C. Scientific research

D. Production of enzymes

E. Improved agricultural characteristics

F. Production of useful proteins

Answers:

1 – B, E

2 – C, F

3 – A, D

VI. «Advantages and Concerns» – 7 minutes

The teacher divides the board into two parts:

Advantages

Students suggest possible advantages:

* improved crop protection;

* increased agricultural productivity;

* resistance to pests and diseases;

* production of useful medicines;

* improved nutritional characteristics;

* longer shelf life of some products.

Concerns

Students discuss possible concerns:

* environmental effects;

* possible effects on biodiversity;

* ethical questions;

* long-term effects that require scientific evaluation;

* public acceptance.

Discussion question:

“Are GMOs good or bad?”

Students discuss the question.

Teacher’s conclusion:

– GMOs cannot simply be described as completely “good” or “bad”. Different genetically modified organisms have different characteristics and purposes, so each case should be evaluated using scientific evidence and appropriate safety assessment.

VII. «True or False?» – 5 minutes

Students listen to the statements and answer True or False.

1. GMO means Genetically Modified Organism.

2. Only plants can be genetically modified.

3. Bacteria can be genetically modified.

4. GMOs can be used in medicine.

5. All GMOs are genetically modified for the same purpose.

6. Genetic modification can give an organism a new characteristic.

Answers:

1. True

2. False

3. True

4. True

5. False

6. True

VIII. Speaking activity «My opinion» – 5 minutes

Students work in pairs.

They discuss:

“Would you use a GMO product? Why or why not?”

Useful expressions:

* In my opinion…

* I think that…

* I agree because…

* I disagree because…

* One advantage is…

* One concern is…

* From my point of view…

Several students present their opinions to the class.

IX. Mini-quiz – 5 minutes

1. What does GMO stand for?

A) General Medical Organism

B) Genetically Modified Organism

C) Genetic Microbial Organization

2. Which of these can be genetically modified?

A) Plants

B) Animals

C) Microorganisms

D) All of them

3. Which is an example of a GM plant?

A) Corn

B) Dog

C) Yeast

4. Which organisms can be used to produce some medicines?

A) Genetically modified microorganisms

B) Rocks

C) Metals

5. Why can plants be genetically modified?

A) To improve certain characteristics

B) To make them animals

C) To remove all genes

Answers:

1 – B

2 – D

3 – A

4 – A

5 – A

X. Reflection – 3 minutes

Students complete three sentences:

Today I learned…

The most interesting thing was…

I still want to know…

Or use the 3–2–1 method:

3 – three new words I learned;

2 – two things I understood;

1 – one question I still have.

XI. Assessment

Students are assessed according to:

* participation in discussion;

* correct use of vocabulary;

* group work;

* ability to identify GMO types;

* ability to express an opinion;

* correct answers during the quiz.

Assessment criteria

Excellent: actively participates, uses vocabulary correctly and gives clear explanations.

Good: participates in activities and understands the main concepts.

Satisfactory: understands the basic idea but needs support with terminology and explanations.

XII. Homework

Option 1

Prepare a short presentation:

“One Example of a GMO and Its Purpose”

The presentation should include:

1. Name of the GMO;

2. Type – plant, animal or microorganism;

3. What characteristic was modified;

4. Why it was developed;

5. Advantages and possible concerns.

Option 2

Write a short paragraph:

“GMO: Advantages and Concerns”

Length: 100–120 words.

Conclusion

Teacher:

– Today we learned that GMOs can include plants, animals and microorganisms. Genetic modification is used for different purposes in agriculture, science and medicine. It is important to discuss this topic critically, use reliable scientific information and understand that different GMOs may have different characteristics and applications.

Lesson motto:

“Understand the science. Ask questions. Think critically.”

Thank you for the lesson