Living Environment and English

Ethical Issues in
Science
Ms. McLaughlin, Mrs. Freeland, and Mrs. Calkins Shepard

_________________________
4/9/2018
 Ethical Issues in Science Research Paper 
 
From the list of topics below, you will research an ethical issue in science. You will need to 
know and understand the background of your topic; why certain groups of people are in favor 
of your topic; why others are against your topic; and the future of your topic. At the end of 
your research, you will write an effective argument as well as present your findings. 
 
1. Select a Topic 
Think about our close-listening of the podcast ​“Here’s Looking at You, Kidney​.” This story 
asks us to consider the ethics of selling organs and tissues. Thus, we must consider the 
following: 
1. What is the ethical question? 
2. What are the relevant facts? 
3. Who or what will be affected by the outcome? 
4. What are the relevant ethical considerations? 
○ Respect for persons 
○ Harms and benefits 
○ Fairness 
○ Authenticity 
○ Responsibility1 
  
Using the story as a “seed,” choose a topic to research that asks us to consider another ethical 
issue in science. You may choose from the following: 
 
1. Reviving Extinct Species
2. Human Responsibilities toward Animals
3. Establishing State Vaccination Policies
4. Genetic Engineering and GMOs
5. Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing
6. Stem Cell Research
7. Implied Consent
8. Legalizing Organ and Tissue Sales
 
Remember, your goal is to deepen your understanding not only of a scientific topic, but to also 
consider the ethics of scientific and medical research. To achieve this goal, you will need to 
research the background as well as both sides of the argument in support of or against your 
topic. 
 
2. Bioethics Hyperdoc 
Start with the ​bioethics hyperdoc​. Explore each of the topics before you decide. You’ll be able 
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https://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/webversions/bioethics/bioethics_poster.pdf
Adapted from “Writing Arguments.” ​The Writer’s Harbrace Handbook​ by Cheryl Glenn and Loretta Gray, 4​th 
edition, 2010.  
Adapted from “NYS Common Core and ELA Literacy Curriculum: Grade 10, Module 3.” Public Consulting 
Group. 2014. https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-10-ela-module-3/file/96081. 

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to change your topic this week, but you must commit to a topic by Friday, April 13. Within the 
hyperdoc are links to several articles about your topic. ​You must choose at least four of these 
articles to use in your research.​ If you would like to use more than four sources, you may use the 
additional sources in the hyperdoc or find your own. 
 
If you opt to find your own, start with a preliminary keyword search. A keyword search helps 
you find sources related to your topic, but they may or may not be credible, relevant, and/or 
accessible. The basic keyword search, however, will help you create a bank of keywords to 
search later when you begin researching in more depth. 
 
To narrow your search, apply filters. Using the advanced search options allow you to filter for 
specific keywords, only current information, and only certain domains.   
 
3. Assess Sources 
Just as members of a jury have to decide which witnesses are credible, or believable, and which 
are not, you have to determine the extent to which you can trust your sources of information. 
Use the ​“Assessing Sources”​ handout to assess your sources. 
 
You should have at least​ four​ credible, accessible, and relevant sources. 
 
Use ​Diigo​ to bookmark sources online. To sign up, follow ​these instructions​. 
 
4. Form a Research Question 
To avoid gathering information that you cannot use in your argument, you must focus as 
tightly as you can on one research question—a question that asks exactly what you want to 
find out from your research. This is the time to narrow your focus. 
 
Keep in mind that ​you should not be able to answer your research question with a single word​. Ideally, 
it should be a question that gives rise to several more detailed questions. To get started, ask 
yourself the following questions. One writer’s responses are shown as an example. 
 
—What is my topic? ​Selling human tissue 
—Why am I interested in this topic?​ Is it ethical to buy and sell human tissues? 
—What do I hope to learn from my research?​ Whether or not it is a good idea to be able to 
legally buy and sell human tissue. 
—​Research Question:​ ​Should​ we be able to legally buy and sell human tissue? 
 
5. ​Works Cited 
Since you will use more than one source for your paper, you will need a way to keep track of all 
of your information. Once you find a source, add it to Diigo. When you’ve evaluated your 
Adapted from “Writing Arguments.” ​The Writer’s Harbrace Handbook​ by Cheryl Glenn and Loretta Gray, 4​th 
edition, 2010.  
Adapted from “NYS Common Core and ELA Literacy Curriculum: Grade 10, Module 3.” Public Consulting 
Group. 2014. https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-10-ela-module-3/file/96081. 

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sources, add the credible, relevant, and accessible sources to your works cited page using 
easybib.com​. Be sure to log in to EasyBib through Google and save your work to your 
projects.   
 
Once you have added all of your sources, download your work to Google Docs to ensure that 
the formatting is correct. ​Do not copy and paste.​ Be sure to submit your works cited page before 
you begin reading sources and taking notes. 
 
6. Read and Highlight 
Read each article closely. As you read, use ​the three-color highlighting strategy​ to organize 
the information into ​background (yellow),​ ​in favor (green),​ or ​against (pink)​. You may also 
underline information or annotate in the margins to help you remember your thoughts and 
ideas for your notes. You can use this strategy if you are using Diigo as well. 
 
7. Take Notes from Your Sources 
If you take good notes, you will have a record of the important information you will need when 
it is time to sit down and draft your paper. When you take notes you can quote directly, 
summarize, or paraphrase. ​Be sure to punctuate correctly and cite the source using an attributive tag to 
start and page number citation to follow.​ You can use Diigo or the ​“Notecards” Google Sheet​ to 
record evidence for your research paper. 
 
Plagiarism 
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s words or ideas as your own. Be sure to cite the sources 
of words and ideas you obtain from any outside sources. Always use quotation marks if you 
repeat someone’s exact words. 
 
To avoid getting lost in the information you gather, follow these steps for taking your notes 
and keeping them organized. 
✓ STEP 1 Use a separate note card for each item of information and for each source. 
✓ STEP 2 Put a subject heading consisting of a key word or phrase in the upper left-hand 
corner above each note. 
✓ STEP 3 Write the source number in the upper right-hand corner of each note. 
✓ STEP 4 Keep hard copies of note cards paper-clipped together in your research folder. 
 
You need a variety of information. Three note cards with similar information will only count 
as one. DO NOT REACH THE NOTE CARD MINIMUM OF 15 AND THINK THAT 
YOU ARE DONE. Any and all gaps in your research must be filled, even if that means you 
need 50 note cards. 
 
 
Adapted from “Writing Arguments.” ​The Writer’s Harbrace Handbook​ by Cheryl Glenn and Loretta Gray, 4​th 
edition, 2010.  
Adapted from “NYS Common Core and ELA Literacy Curriculum: Grade 10, Module 3.” Public Consulting 
Group. 2014. https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-10-ela-module-3/file/96081. 

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8. Choose a Position 
Now is the time to ​choose your position​ on the issue you’ve researched. Carefully pile your 
notecards into background, in favor, and against. Use the ​preponderance of evidence​ to take an 
informed position on your topic. 
 
9. Write Your Thesis Statement 
Your thesis is the main idea of your research. It is the answer to your research question.  
 
To frame your thesis​, turn your research question into a statement and add a summary of the 
results of your research. 
 
Research Question:​ ​Should we be able to legally buy and sell human tissue?
Position:​ Neither researchers nor patients should have rights to sell any human tissue.
Rationale:​ Neither researchers nor patients should have rights to sell any human tissue
because vulnerable populations could be exploited, organ and tissue quality would be
more difficult to monitor, and the existing organ donation program would be undermined. 

Your thesis statement should also include a stipulation phrase to introduce the counterclaims to 
your position. This phrase sets your reader up to expect that you will address the 
counterclaims to your argument later on. 
 
Stipulation:​ Although organ and tissue sales could save lives, neither researchers nor
patients should have rights to sell any human tissue because vulnerable populations could
be exploited, organ and tissue quality would be more difficult to monitor, and the existing
organ donation program would be undermined. 

10. Develop an Informal Outline 

An ​outline​ for a writing project is like a map to a traveler. Good outlines and good maps give 
guidance and keep people going in the right direction but leave them free to change their plans. 
Outlines also guide the organization of your ideas. Start your outline by arranging your note 
cards into piles according to topic. If you used Diigo to take your notes, you can rearrange 
them online. If you wrote out note cards, you’ll need to separate them by hand. Remember, the 
“parts” of your research paper are not the same as the “paragraphs” of your paper.  
 
Your paper will consist of the following parts: 
1. Introduction​: Capture the attention of your audience and introduce your issue. Try 
using a strong example as your lead (attention grabber). Establish your credibility 
(show that you are an expert on your topic) and establish common ground with your 
audience (explain why your readers should care about your topic). Your introduction 

Adapted from “Writing Arguments.” ​The Writer’s Harbrace Handbook​ by Cheryl Glenn and Loretta Gray, 4​th 
edition, 2010.  
Adapted from “NYS Common Core and ELA Literacy Curriculum: Grade 10, Module 3.” Public Consulting 
Group. 2014. https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-10-ela-module-3/file/96081. 

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 should also include some background information (context) such as the history of the 
situation, the key terms, and points that are especially important. Finally, your 
introduction should end with your ​thesis statement​. 
2. Confirmation 1​: Discuss one reason that has led you to take your position. The reason 
must be clear, relevant, and representative. It should be supported by facts, expert 
testimony, and other evidence. 
3. Confirmation 2​: Discuss a second reason that has led you to take your position. The 
reason must be clear, relevant, and representative. It should be supported by facts, 
expert testimony, and other evidence. 
4. Confirmation 3 (optional)​: Discuss a third reason that has led you to take your 
position. The reason must be clear, relevant, and representative. It should be supported 
by facts, expert testimony, and other evidence. 
5. Refutation​: Recognize and provide evidence to refute the counterclaims of people who 
hold a different position and with whom you continue to disagree. 
6. Conclusion​: Remind your reader of your most important points. Describe the 
consequences of your argument and encourage your audience to consider a particular 
course of action. Be sure that your introduction and conclusion enhance one another. 
 
11. Writing Confirmation Paragraphs 
Evaluate effective and ineffective confirmation paragraphs by completing the handout. Submit 
your work for approval. Once your handout has been approved, draft your own confirmation 
paragraphs. 
 
When you start drafting, start with your confirmation paragraphs. These are the body 
paragraphs that support your position. Focus on getting your main points (based on your 
rationale from your thesis), evidence, and explanations written using your note cards. Even 
though you shouldn’t worry too much about conventions at this point, you do want to make 
sure that your evidence is cited correctly throughout your draft.  
 
12. Writing Refutation Paragraphs 
Evaluate effective and ineffective refutation paragraphs by completing the handout. Submit 
your work for approval. Once your handout has been approved, draft your own refutation 
paragraph. 
 
This is the paragraph (or paragraphs) where you refute (argue against) your opposition. In this 
paragraph, you’ll address your opposition and their main reasons. You’ll also point out the 
weaknesses in their arguments. You may also concede a point or two, but remember that your 
main purpose is to support your position. 
 
13. ​Introduction 
Adapted from “Writing Arguments.” ​The Writer’s Harbrace Handbook​ by Cheryl Glenn and Loretta Gray, 4​th 
edition, 2010.  
Adapted from “NYS Common Core and ELA Literacy Curriculum: Grade 10, Module 3.” Public Consulting 
Group. 2014. https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-10-ela-module-3/file/96081. 

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Evaluate effective and ineffective introductions by completing the handout. Submit your work 
for approval. Once your handout has been approved, ​draft your own introduction​. 
 
13a. Background Paragraph (optional) 
Some of you have selected topics that are particularly complex. Because of this, you may decide 
that you need a background paragraph paragraph (after your introduction and before your first 
confirmation paragraph) to explain the key terms, ideas, and the history of your bioethical 
issue. If you do opt to include a background paragraph, make sure that your sources are 
correctly cited. 
 
14. ​Conclusion 
Evaluate effective and ineffective conclusions by completing the handout. Submit your work 
for approval. Once your handout has been approved, ​draft your own conclusion​. 
 
15. Evaluate and Revise Your Draft for Cohesion 
Once you have your draft, go back and craft cohesion among the paragraphs using transitions. 
Examine how the paragraphs cohere from sentence to sentence and between paragraphs by 
completing the exercise in Google Classroom​. Submit your work for approval. Once your 
handout has been approved, highlight the words and phrases that support transition and 
cohesion in your own draft. Add transitions where needed using ​“Connecting Ideas.” 
Remember, cohesion should exist between paragraphs as well as between sentences. 
 
16. ​Peer Revisions 
Collaborate with at least two peers to ensure that your final work is your best work. Select 
partners wisely. You want someone who will give you effective feedback: someone who will 
point out your strengths and weaknesses as well as make suggestions for improvement. A 
partner who feeds your ego won’t help you improve. Use the ​“Peer Feedback” handout​ to 
complete this step. 
 
17. ​Proofread Your Paper 
This is an important step that many high school students do not take the time to complete. 
Start by completing the exercises on run-ons and sentence fragments. Be sure to proofread 
your paper to make sure that the final draft you submit is free of mechanics, usage, grammar, 
and spelling errors. Use the “Proofreading Checklist” to complete this step. 
 
18. Submit Your Final Draft 
Before you submit your final draft, check your paper for proper MLA formatting. 
Heading 
Your heading should start with your name, followed by your teachers’ names, 
your Living Environment and English sections, and the date. 
Adapted from “Writing Arguments.” ​The Writer’s Harbrace Handbook​ by Cheryl Glenn and Loretta Gray, 4​th 
edition, 2010.  
Adapted from “NYS Common Core and ELA Literacy Curriculum: Grade 10, Module 3.” Public Consulting 
Group. 2014. https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-10-ela-module-3/file/96081. 

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 Include a Works Cited List  
At the end of your research paper, you need to include a copy of the Works Cited 
page that includes all the sources you have used in your paper. You provide a 
Works Cited page to avoid plagiarism, to establish your credibility, and to 
provide your readers with resources to learn more about your topic. 
Formatting 
Your entire research essay should be Times New Roman, 12 pt. font and 
double-spaced per Modern Language Association guidelines. This includes your 
heading and works cited page. 
 
19. Prepare to Present Your Research Findings 
You have three options from which to choose: 
Option 1: Website 
Option 2: Podcast  
Option 3: Infographic 
 
Detailed directions for all options are available in Google Classroom. Be sure to complete your 
presentation and submit your work in Google Classroom. 
 
20. Present 
To share and celebrate our work, we will have a bioethics conference. You will present your 
work as well as learn from the work of your peers. At the end of the afternoon, we will have 
snacks and awards. 
 
 

 
 

Adapted from “Writing Arguments.” ​The Writer’s Harbrace Handbook​ by Cheryl Glenn and Loretta Gray, 4​th 
edition, 2010.  
Adapted from “NYS Common Core and ELA Literacy Curriculum: Grade 10, Module 3.” Public Consulting 
Group. 2014. https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-10-ela-module-3/file/96081. 

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