Biotechnologies Socratic Seminar

In class tomorrow, we will be having a discussion about cloning and GMOs. You will choose one of these two issues and complete a
written assignment in order to prepare for the discussion. Your written prep should answer the question: Is the use of
GMOs/cloning ethical? To what extent should scientists be able to pursue experiments using this technology?

Use specific evidence from the articles you received in class and additional information you find on the internet. Please use
quotation marks when using words that are not your own.

For example: In the article "Cloning Fact Sheet," natural clones are discussed. Clones, "also known as identical twins, occur in
humans and other mammals." This suggests that clones are not unnatural since they can occur without human interference.

The written prep should be in paragraph form and proofread (I would suggest two paragraphs of prep). Your thoughts on the issue
should be clearly conveyed and supported by your evidence.

Some topics you might address:

1. How has your technology been used so far?

2. There are different applications/uses for your technology. Are some more ethical than others?
3. How might others feel about cloning/GMOs? Why might their views also be valid?
4. Are there any proven negative impacts of your technology? (ex: Do GMOs cause health issues?)
5. What are some potential benefits of your technology?

You will also be graded on how well you contribute to the group discussion in class tomorrow. Please consider how this written prep
can be used to support your points in discussion.

As an audience member, you must take notes on the discussion you’re observing. At the end of the discussion, you must be able to
ask a quality question to the group. This will be part of your participation grade.

Socratic Seminar Rubric

Category Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Approaching/Below Expectations
Preparation Student has done additional research
(15 pts) outside of the required in order to
develop thoughtful, detailed responses
to the prompt(s). Student responses are
written in paragraph form, using
complete sentences, and have been
carefully proofread. Evidence from class
readings/text is used to support
persuasive responses. Additional
examples/anecdotes or connections with
other texts are made.
(13-15 pts)
Participation Student participates meaningfully in
(5 pts) discussion and acts as a leader. They
work to engage other students in
conversation and listen to what others
have to say. Their responses are well-
supported by evidence and their
preparation informs their comments.
Student’s notes and question(s) indicate
active engagement even while not in the
inner circle.
(5 pts)
Comments:
Student has used the materials provided
in class in order to provide an answer to
the prompt. Student responses are
written in paragraph form, using
complete sentences, but some errors are
present. Evidence from class is used in
most cases to support responses.
(11-12 pts)
Student participates in discussion more
than once. Most responses are
thoughtful and directly related to the
topic at hand or a comment another
student made. Most responses are
supported by evidence and their
preparation is occasionally used as a
resource. Student’s notes and
question(s) indicate that they were
listening even while not part of the circle
(3-4 pts)
Student uses minimal or no evidence
from the materials provided in class.
Student response does not provide a
complete response to the prompt. The
response is not in paragraph form or is
very brief. It has not been carefully
proofread and/or written using complete
sentences. The response does not feel
supported and may be purely based on
opinions of the student.
(0-10 pts)
Student does not participate in the
discussion and/or their contributions are
not meaningful. Their contributions may
be off topic and/or not in response to
something another student says. The
student struggles to listen to others
and/or dominates the discussion and/or
is rude to others. They rarely/do not
refer to their written preparation and
most/all comments are unsupported by
evidence. Student’s notes/questions are
brief and/or missing.
(0-2 pts)
_____ / 20 pts