Introduction

Cloning is a hot topic in today's pop culture. We see it in the movies, books and magazines. But it is also a very real part of today's world. Fruits and vegetables are being cloned, and genetically altered everyday. There have been ventures in livestock (ie Dolly) cloning as well. There have even been claims in cloning humans, but they are not supported. What is your opinion on cloning, good or bad? Before you make you decision think of this...
On January 8, 2001, scientists at Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., announced the birth of the first clone of an endangered animal, a baby bull gaur (a large wild ox from India and southeast Asia) named Noah. Although Noah died of an infection unrelated to the procedure, the experiment demonstrated that it is possible to save endangered species through cloning.

The Quest

When is cloning 'ok', and why?

The Process and Resources

There is a upcoming Cloning and Science Confrence where each postion of the cloning debate should be represented. As experts in your field, you and your group have been chosen to reperesent your stand in a cloning forum. You will divide into groups, and each group will be assigned a role. Groups will take on the roles of the animal activist, agianst cloning all together, pro-human clone research, and legistlation. For your particular field of expertise, you will decide if cloning is helpful, ethical, and realitic. Be prepared to present an insightful and persausive debate for your perspective.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to dicover what cloning actually is. When did cloning first become reality? Why do some people have problems with it? Are there any risks in cloning? How does cloning work?

• New Scientist Hot Topics of Cloning - This site will help you discover what is going on in the news about cloning. Great to see clonings real world effects.
• Cloning Fact Sheet - Discover how can cloning technogies can be used.
• How Cloning Works - How does cloning really work? Great site!

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Individuals or pairs from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.

2. Read through the files linked to your group. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software.

3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point.

4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Quest(ion) or Task based on what you have learned from the links for your role.

support human cloning

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #1:

1. Is human cloning a reality?
2. What are some benifits of human cloning?
3. Are there any drawbacks or risks?

• The Human Cloning Foundation - HumanCloning.org is the official site in support of human cloning technology.

against animal cloning, animal activist

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #2:

1. Why is animal cloning being done?
2. Is animal cloning moral?
3. Do the benifits outwiegh the risks, and ethical issues?

• Animal Cloning vs. Animal Rights - Animal cloning...good or bad?

US Legislation

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #3:

1. What stand has the US already taken?
2. Is cloning ever legal?
3. What laws have been passed against cloning, why?
4. What are you, as lawmakers, hoping will happen in the future with cloning?

• U.S. Seeks Ban On Human Cloning - US view on human cloning

anti cloning

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #4:

1. What are the main risks in cloning?
2. Is cloning ever useful?
3. What do you hope will happen with cloning in the future?
4. What can be done to stop cloning?

• Anti-Cloning Initiative - Anti-Clone stance (and links)

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned about a different part of cloning. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the Task / Quest(ion) as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, movies, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to convince your teammates that your viewpoint is important and should be part of your team's answer to the Task / Quest(ion). Your WebQuest team should write out an answer that everyone on the team can live with.

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

You and your teammates have learned a lot by dividing up into different roles. Now's the time to put your learning into a letter you'll send out for real world feedback. Together you will write a letter that contains opinions, information, and perspectives that you've gained. Here's the process:

1. Begin your letter with a statement of who you are and why you are writing your message to this particular person or organization.

2. Give background information that shows you understand the topic.

STATE THE TASK / QUEST(ION) AND YOUR GROUP'S ANSWER.

3. Each person in your group should write a paragraph that gives two good reasons supporting the group's opinion. Make sure to be specific in both the information (like where you got it from on the Web) and the reasoning (why the information proves your group's point).

4. Have each person on the team proofread the message. Use correct letter format and make sure you have correctly addressed the email message. Use the link below to make contact. Send your message and make sure your teacher gets a copy.

Your Contact is: Megan Williams

Conclusion

Wow, what an adventure. Is animal or even human cloning a real possiblity for your generation? Could it be used to save endangered species, or aid in human infertility. Many say yes, but the real question is, 'Is it ethical, if so do the advatages outwiegh the risks?' It's now up to you to make your own real stance...