Plants have been genetically manipulated by crossbreeding for thousands of years. Many varieties of fruits and vegetables have been produced in this way. Today, scientists use new methods to create genetically modified foods, or GM foods, much faster than before. These foods are also known as transgenic crops.
Write a personal narrative about the issues related to GM foods. In this story, you will be a farmer who must decide which type of crops to plant, traditional foods or GM foods. To write your personal narrative, you will need to research the advantages and risks of agricultural genetic engineering. Here are some questions to guide your research:
Why are food crops being genetically modified?
What are the advantages of GM foods?
What are the risks of GM foods?
Should people grow GM foods?
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 GM foods at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your personal narrative.
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!
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