European corn borers like the taste of corn. However, these insects eat so much corn that they have become a problem for farmers. To fight these pests, some farmers have been using the Bt bacterium.
Write a cause-and-effect report about genetically modified corn, or Bt corn. You will conduct research to learn how the Bt bacterium affects corn borers. Then you will research the advantages and risks of making Bt corn. Here are some questions to guide your research:
What is the Bt bacterium?
How does the Bt bacterium affect insects such as corn borers?
What are the advantages of making Bt corn?
What are the risks of making Bt corn?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.
With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You also can research corn borers, the Bt bacterium, and Bt corn at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.
Step 2. Research
Research answers to the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!
Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to save Web pages and images on your computer.
