Genetically Modified Foods and Factory Farms We Are What We Eat

Genetically Modified Foods and Factory Farms… we are what we eat.

A Webquest.

**Use your own notebook paper if you do not have enough room**

1. What are genetically modified foods?

2. Why are GM foods used? What are some advantages?

3. What are some disadvantages/concerns with GM foods?

4. How could genetically modified foods help with world hunger in less developed nations?

5. What environmental risks can there potentially be?

6. How might genetically modified foods benefit or help the environment?

6. How are GM foods regulated in the United States? In the world?

Go to the following website and complete the activities that go along with it

Click on engineer a crop to begin with. Read the quick intro and then complete the two activities “Selective Breeding” and “Transgenic Mutation”. Then answer the following:

1. Explain selective breeding.

2. Explain transgenic mutation.

Now go back to the main page and click on “Guess What’s Coming to Dinner”. Read the short intro and then click on the activity. Answer the following

1. How can bananas cure malaria?

2. Which foods have been genetically modified the most?

3. How might the strawberries, pears, and apples you eat someday make you gain less weight because of genetic modification?

Wrap it all up. The question of using GM foods is one that has two clear sides. Industry, government, and many academic scientists tout the benefits of genetically modified (GM) foods for agriculture, ecosystems, and human health and well-being, including feeding a world population bursting at the seams. With equal passion, consumer groups, environmental activists, religious organizations, and some scientists warn of unforeseen health, environmental, and socioeconomic consequences. The debate concerns something very personal to each of us: what we and our children are eating. And whether you realize it or not, you've been consuming GM foods for some time. Now it is your turn to take a side… write a one paragraph PERSUASIVE essay on GM foods. How do you feel? Where do you stand? WHY? (Write on your own piece of paper… not enough room here)

Webquest Part II Factory Farms.

(biased against Factory Farms)
(against Factory Farms)
(need for mass farm production)
-on this site click “environmental safety”, “animal welfare”, etc.

1. Describe a factory farm.

2. In what ways are they harmful to the environment?

3. What are some arguments about how they treat their animals?

4.. Are there any arguments for them? If so, describe them.

5. List one open-ended thought provoking question for a class debate on the issue. Be sure to include your answer/opinion to the question.