Introduction

    A powerful and wealthy man has risen up out of the Island of Madagascar and he takes over all of Africa and Europe. As his empire grows, he becomes more powerful, and soon he takes over all of the world! Now the entire globe is run by one man, Timothy Flugeltoast. Being the new King, he decides to make some changes. He changes the calendar to 11 months and outlaws cigarette smoking, kissing in public, and shuffleboard. He also claims Friday is part of the weekend and has all schools and businesses closed on Fridays. In addition, he enacts "the zero gene policy" which does not allow further DNA research and outlaws all genetic testing. It prohibits science experiments related to genes, heredity, and DNA. 

     You don't agree with his kissing laws, and you like that Fridays you'll have no school, but what about his new law prohibiting DNA research? Do you know enough about it to decide if his "zero gene policy" is a good idea?

      You're invited to explore this topic further and form your own opinions about DNA research. Do you agree with Timothy Flugeltoast? By the end of your quest, you'll have the info you need to create a letter to the King, explaining why you agree or disagree with his "zero gene policy". You are to write a persuasive letter to King Flugeltoast clearly defending your position. 

Are there certain cases when genetic research is a good thing? Or could the new knowledge it brings be too risky? 

1) Read over all the web sites listed for all the topics. Yes, this will take you some time, so plan ahead. Get a general idea about each topic. You do not need to follow and read every link each site provides. Explore the sites well enough to decide if you support or do not support research in that area.

2) Decide if you agree or disagree with the King's "zero gene policy". 

3) Choose three topics to use to support your position.  Delve deeper into these topics using the sites provided and educate yourself on the topic more thoroughly. Follow links and explore as necessary. 

4) Write a letter (2-3 pages) to King Timothy Flugeltoast. Explain to the new King how you feel. Tell him you support/do not support the new "zero gene policy", and explain why you feel this way. Use the three topics you chose to support your argument. Your letter should be well organized, clearly written and persuasive. Include examples and explanations wherever necessary to get your point across. 

              TOPIC 1 - DNA Evidence/Forensics

How DNA Evidence Works
DNA Forensics

 Gene Therapy
 Genetic Disorders
 Gene Testing
 Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

 Food Biotechnology
 Genetically Modified Foods
 Genetically Engineered Plants

 Human Cloning
 Cloning Humans
 Cloning Facts

Paternity/ Maternity/ Twin Tests (these three links are on left side of the site)
Paternity FAQ

    You have explored some of the same medical and ethical issues that our scientists and politicians face today.  As time passes, we will have more knowledge and more questions will be raised.  Keep your eyes and ears open and stay educated on this topic. It will be up to your generation to decide how knowledge of DNA and genes will be used. 

    The truth is, at this time, Timmy Flugeltoast does not rule the world and genetic science will continue to move forward. In fact, since this web site was created, scientists in Massachusetts have cloned the first human embryo. What does that mean? Where could this lead? I invite you to learn more...
 
 
 

First Human Embryos are Cloned in the U.S.  -  Washington Post  11/25/01

First Clone Made of Human Embryo  -  Boston Globe  11/25/01

Human Embryo Created Through Cloning  -  CNN  11/25/01

Pictures:

Discovery Clip Art Gallery
Yee Hun's Graphic Collection
Science Clip Art

Animation by:

J. Downey