What is biotechnology/ bioengineering?
Engineered devices designed and used on living things
Look at the different mobile phones. Describe their differences and how technology has evolved.
before could only call, later developed ability to message, connect to the internet. Before big now smaller
How has our methods of cooking changed over time? What's stay the same?
Still cook with fire- BBQ. Now has gas & electric stoves and ovens
How can drone be used for scientific investigations?
Take video/ pictures of places high up. Places that are accessable or dangerous (eg earthquake zone and volcanoes)
How have prosthetic legs changed and improved?
lighter materials, more flexibility/ range of motions, more comfortable
What must be consider when designing a prosthetic limb?
what the owner wants and needs, their personality, where the amputated limb is.
List some advantages to Genetically modified fruits & vegetables
Higher yield (more fruit/veg), more consistent result, more uniformity, bigger, more consistent colour, disease resistance.
Make observations on the differences between the naturally occurring banana and the GMO banana (the one we eat today)
natural- lots of seeds, good for the plant to spread. GMO- no seeds, more fruit to eat
Make observations on the differences between the naturally occurring watermelon and the GMO watermelon (the one we eat today)
Natural- lots of seeds, little flesh/ fruit to eat. GMO- less seeds, lots of flesh/ fruit to eat.
What differences do we have between old cars and modern cars? What invention was needed for the invention of the car
Old cars were slower, less efficient, no AC etc. Wheel needed to be invented and the combustion engine.
Read the caption and discuss how GMO has improved papayas
GMO papayas more disease resistance to viruses
List the potential risks of GMO foods
We don't know enough about their safety.
Discuss how washing machines have changed over the centuries. Advantages and Disadvantages
wringer needed a lot of labour, clothes still very wet. Washing machines can wash clothes itself. Need electricity and water supplies
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of replacing human workers with robots.
Robots don't need breaks, leave, food, salary etc. Robots don't get tired and can do the same task over and over. Robots might not have creativity like humans.
How have robots been used in the manufacturing industry?
Robots make most cars, phone, production lines they have replaced human workers.
How do we send and receive mail now? What's changed? Which system is better and why?
Before we send letter which took a long time. Now we send emails and text messages which take seconds.
