Genetic Engineering Research Hub

Accessing Databases from Home

To access these resources from HOME, you must go to the APS Library Resources in Canvas. Choose Middle School Databases. The databases Science in Context and Opposing Viewpoints in Context are best for this research If you have any trouble accessing these databases through Canvas, please let me know.

Tip: it’s better to go through the browser rather than the app.

Genetic Engineering Research Resources

Curated articles – These articles have been provided by your teachers.

Gene Editing/Gene Therapy with CRISPR

CRISPR

De-extinction

de-extinction infographic

Genetically Modified Organisms

GMO

Databases – These databases can be searched for more info. The articles you find will be from reference books, newspapers, magazines, etc. Some will be just facts, others will be opinion articles based on facts.
If you are asked for a password to access, refer to Accessing Databases from Home.

Science in Context

Opposing Viewpoints in Context

Tips for searching the databases for these topics:

spell out genetically modified organisms instead of / or in addition to using GMO
look at the article’s date – this science is moving fast – make sure you are not using out-of-date information
determine if you are reading a fact-based article or an opinion article based on facts. An opinion article may be presenting only one side of the story.

Use DRAMA and Lateral Reading to evaluate sources

Internet Searches

If you choose to do internet searches after using the databases, bear in mind you will have the additional step of evaluating your source for credibility and accuracy. Use DRAMA and Lateral Reading to guide you.

DRAMA - date, relevance, accuracy, motivation, authority

DRAMA – a Google slideshow

DRAMA – a video explanation

Lateral reading is when you have multiple tabs open about the same topic. You read and compare the info on all the pages to get the full picture.

Lateral Reading – video by University of Louisville Research & Assistance Dept.

Note-taking

Taking notes and keeping track of the source of your information are essential for making convincing, informed presentations and arguments.

Genetic Engineering Research example – Document Analysis Sheet – Note: This graphic organizer from 2023 looks different than your organizer, but has good note-taking strategies in it.

This example showcases research about de-extinction and woolly mammoths. Two articles were read, and notes are provided. There are also links to the articles in the document if you are interested.

Some thoughts about note-taking:

always put quotes around phrases you copy exactly from the article
your ability to paraphrase is a good measure of whether you understand what you are reading
- look up words you don’t know
- ask for help to figure out difficult concepts
gather as much information/evidence as you can. You may not use it all in your final product. (In other words, don’t second guess yourself as you take notes wondering if you will need that info. Get the info and decide later.)

Citing your sources

Citing Sources – slideshow and/or video instructions and demonstrations