Issues and values

It is important for students to be given the opportunity to discuss issues and to examine the values and ethics that lie behind the opinions expressed by a variety of people, individuals and institutions.

It is equally important for students to be allowed to develop their own set of values and their own opinions. A purpose of the materials in this site is to provide relevant background information, stimulus materials and activities as a framework for students' exploration of the issues.

The section called Ethics lists and provides information and links to student activities that involve consideration of an issue or ethical consideration central to public interest in, or concern about, the use of biotechnology.

This section outlines aspects of issues analysis and values development that have been considered during the development of the activities in Biotechnology Online. Teachers should keep these ideas in mind as they lead class or group discussions - either in using the resources provided here, or in developing their own activities.