Topic 2: Genetically Modified Food

Assignment: Video presentation on GM food

Genetically modified food has always been a controversial issue in both the food industry and in the
society as a whole. Proponents of GM food praise it for the many benefits it brings and the promises
it holds to sustain human civilization. Opponents and critics of GM food label it as unnatural and
unsafe, pointing out the various negative effects on human health, environment and social norms.
Recent development in genetically modified cow that produces healthier milk and genetically
modified salmon that grows much faster are some examples that capture public attention and
generate much debate on the issue of GM food.

As food science and nutrition students, you are expected to gain deeper understanding about GM
food, so as to both prepare you for future work in the food industry and also as educated
“spokespersons” who can educate the public and debunk myths about GM food.

In this assignment, you will first need to read extensively on the topic of GM food. Some suggested
areas for reading include:

• Principles and science behind GM food. How are they produced?

• Origin of GM food. When were they first produced?
• What are some of the major GM food/ crops available in the market today?
• Benefits and advantages of GM food. What are the good traits of GM food/ crops? Any data
to back them up?
• Potential harms and controversial issues of GM food. Are they safe to eat? Any potential
side effect on human health? How about environmental impact and other aspects? Any
scientific evidence to back them up? How about labelling of GM food?
• What is the stance towards GM food from authorise (e.g. scientists, governments & United
Nations, etc.)? What is the public opinion towards GM food? Are they the same?

After gathering all the information, you will need to make a judgment: do I support or oppose GM
food and why?

You are tasked to make a 6-8 min long video to present your case. In the video, you must cover the
key facts (including but not limited to the bullet points stated above; you may choose to focus on a
particular area, but must try to be objective and include both the pros and cons of GM food), and
state your stance/ attitude towards GM food and explain why.

In the video, you must show your face and body (either upper part or full body) and talk clearly and
audibly. Feel free to use appropriate props (e.g. a GM corn) and visual aids (e.g. a drawing by you) in
your video. You may add pictures, captions or screen shots of websites in your video.

When making the video, imagine yourself talking to a group of friends who are interested in the
topic but have little knowledge about it. You goal is to share with them the facts and persuade them
why they should support/ oppose/ be neutral about GM food. We want to hear your voice and
stance, not mere description of facts, so don’t stand on the fence. Make a stand and defend it.
How to submit

Create a video and upload to your YouTube account. Make it unlisted and embed it your LMS blog
entry. Refer to instruction file in your LMS for detailed steps.

Marking criteria

• Accuracy and completeness of the facts. Whether the information you present in the video is
accurate and complete.
• Clarity of your stance. Whether your stance is clearly presented and well supported by
evidence.
• Organization of your presentation. Whether you are able to organize the information in a
logical order. E.g., through effective use of signpost language (e.g. first, second, third, last, etc.).
• Presentation skill. Whether you are able to articulate your points clearly and fluently and use
non-verbal cues effectively (e.g. body language, gestures and props).
• Quality and time management of your video. Whether your video is clear enough for viewing
and whether you can adhere to the time limit.

Due date:

11:59pm, 28 Jun 2020