Consumer Biologicals

Introduction

In the book Jurassic Park companies such as InGen and Biosyn focus their efforts in biotechnology, not in the areas of medicine and health, which would benefit mankind, but in the areas of entertainment, sports, leisure activities, cosmetics, and pets, which would benefit mostly those companies that created them. For example, Biosyn engineered a new, pale trout which was easier to spot in streams and was thus an improvement for sport fishermen (see pg. 65). Hammond possesses a miniaturized elephant produced by InGen as a possible new kind of pet (see pgs. 59 and 60). These new creations were not without problems, however.

This assignment is designed for students in small groups to come up with a consumer biological of their own. They will assume that such a creation is possible through biotechnology. This assignment will take approximately two class periods; one, to introduce the assignment and to allow time for the students to come up with ideas. The second period would be used for the actual working out of the ideas. This activity can be expanded to include time for the students to present their ideas and commercials to the class.

Objectives

The students will:

• understand the marketing concepts involved in bioengineering;
• simulate workplace activities involved in genetic brainstorming;
• experience the motivations of consumer demand;
• explore the field of production and merchandising;
• consider societal issues involved in bioengineering.

Materials

• Jurassic Park novel
• writing utensil and paper
• materials for making a flyer or commercial
• Student Procedures Overhead

Procedure

• Form groups of four or five students.
• Go over the Student Procedures Overhead
• Tell the students to spend twenty minutes brainstorming ideas for their consumer biological. Monitor this activity.
• Have materials ready the next day for students to create their advertising products for their products or tell students to bring the necessary materials to class.
• Allow for a class period for them to come up with the necessary items for their report.
• If time allows, have students present their products to the class.