By the senior year, students have had the chance to experiment with biotechnology in their science classes, have debated issues of biotechnology in their social studies classes, have learned mathematical principles of biotechnology in their math classes, and have read novels and short stories dealing with biotechnology in their English classes. At this point, students should be prepared to address issues of ethics in biotechnology independently. In writing an essay on a controversial issue of biotechnology, students will be able to draw from their experiences throughout the BEP spiraled curriculum both to determine an issue they are interested in exploring more and to decide upon a course of research appropriate for the writing of a paper.
If your school is new to the BEP curriculum, you may choose first to go back to other levels for lessons for your senior students to provide them with information to select a controversial issue. There are many lessons, videos, and other materials that can be used to give students ample information and opportunities to discuss controversial issues concerning biotechnology. These materials can be used in preparation for the Controversial Issue Essay.
The Controversial Issue Essay in the 12th grade Social Studies section is designed to be used by either Social Studies or English teachers, but preferable by both. A Social Studies teacher and an English teacher may choose to work together with their students on this writing process, breaking down the steps listed in the Controversial Issues Writing Process: Assignment Guide between the two classes. By working together, the class time needed could be shortened to one week instead of two weeks. The integration of this assignment is key to this program: disciplines working together to solve problems.
Please see the Social Studies section for the procedures for this essay.