What Types of Educational Efforts on Biotechnology are Available for Students and Consumers?1
“Agricultural Biotechnology” “genetic engineering” “genetically modified or transgenic organisms” – these are terms that the general public is hearing more often these days. There is also a plethora of information available on the subject, from a variety of both credible and non-credible sources, especially on the Internet. But how do consumers find information and education that is relevant, credible and focused on the specific issues in which they are interested?
Well, short of attending actual classes on the subject, it is possible to find much of the information you are looking for by knowing where to look online. The University of Florida Department of Agricultural Education and Communication maintains a link to The Educational Initiative on Agricultural Biotechnology for Florida Educators and Consumers, at http://agbiotech.ifas.ufl.edu/index.html, a Web site created by a working group of UF-based scientists committed to objectively educating the public on agricultural biotechnology and genetically-modified foods.” The web site is a clearinghouse of carefully researched information and links to other sources for educators and consumers wanting to know more about biotechnology. Here's a list of some of the most useful links from the site, with a short evaluative description of each.
Top 5 Recommended Sites
Harvest of Fear
This PBS website is an excellent introduction to the issues surrounding biotechnology. An interactive poll presents the pros and cons of key arguments as you decide on your personal position towards biotechnology.
An online activity allows you to use the latest biotechnology techniques to virtually modify your own plants. The viewpoints and interview sections included a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including farmers, scientists, critics, regulators, and industry.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/
University of Kentucky: Biotechnology Research and Education Initiative
BREI is made up of a team of researchers, Extension, and teachers from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture that provides science-based information in agricultural biotechnology. Their website has downloadable publications and presentations, teaching ideas for Extension and classrooms, and discussions on bioethics, farm impacts and environment and health issues.
Virginia Tech: Information Systems for Biotechnology.
This useful site includes databases of biotech companies, research centers, field tests, and crop releases. They also have a good news link and information on regulation and risk assessment. ISB is funded through a USDA grant to Virginia Tech.
http://www.nbiap.vt.edu/indexmain.cfm
Biotechnology and Development Monitor
An independent journal published by the University of the Netherlands, available free of charge on the internet. Its mission is “to support and improve policy and decision making in the field of research, development, regulation, and applications related to biotechnology relevant to developing countries” and to provide a “forum for discussion on the positive and/or negative impact of biotechnological innovations and international regulations”
Food Future
Food Future “aims to improve public understanding of genetic modification” through “discussion of the technology – the perceived benefits and disadvantages as well as the ethical and moral concerns.” Sponsored by the UK Food and Drink Federation, the site does aim to improve consumer confidence in biotechnology. However, the presentation of risks and benefits is fairly objective and is presented in a simple and attractive format for the biotech novice. The section on regulation describes the current UK process and criticisms.
General Information Sites
Ag BioTech InfoNet
According to their web site, “Ag BioTech InfoNet hopes to emerge as a valuable resource for anyone trying to better understand the implications of agricultural biotechnology. Our goal is to facilitate access to critical, original documents and information, and recognized experts.” Most of their information is links to other articles and sites.
Ag Care
This is a Canadian site on biotechnology for consumers. It has sections on labeling issues, safety concerns, social and environmental concerns and regulatory issues.
Biotechnology Australia
A site by the Australian government aiming to provide balanced and factual information to consumers. It gives arguments for and against biotechnology.
http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/
CAST Biotechnology Communications
A non-profit organization that provides science-based information on agricultural biotechnology. Has a good introductory paper on the “Benefits and Risks of Biotechnology in Crops.”
http://www.biotech-cast-science.org
Environmental News Network: Genetically Modified Food
This is a really nice interactive site with a quiz, poll and chance to tell them what you think. They have a good article giving background and issues on genetically- modified food. Some related sites and articles are also available.
http://enn.com/features/2000/09/09062000/gmfood_30998.asp
National Agricultural Biotechnology Council
The NABC is a non-profit consortium of over 30 agricultural research and teaching universities in the U.S. and Canada. It provides all stakeholders the opportunity to participate in the issues surrounding agricultural biotechnology. The language is quite scientific.
http://www.cals.cornell.edu/extension/nabc/
Nuffield Council on Bioethics
The Nuffield Council is an independent body that examines and reports on ethical questions raised by scientific advances. See their report on “Genetically Modified Crops: The ethical and social issues.”
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/bioethics/index.html
SCOPE Controversy Forum: Biotechnology
The Science Controversies On-line: Partnerships in Education website offers a balanced view of the issues surrounding biotechnology. The on-site material is suitable for the general public and educators.
http://scope.educ.washington.edu/gmfood/
Academic Sites
Colorado State: Introduction and Resource Guide to Transgenic Crops
Colorado's excellent site includes a history of plant breeding, risks and concerns, a quiz, and information on evaluation and regulation of transgenic crops. It also has frequently asked questions in English and Spanish. http://www.colostate.edu/programs/lifesciences/TransgenicCrops/
Kansas State University
KSU aims to provide unbiased, scientific information about agricultural biotechnology. Their site has general biotech information in the form of fact sheets, FAQs, news, and a glossary.
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/pr_biotech/
Purdue University: Biotech Backgrounders
Information on biotech research at Purdue, as well as introductory material on biotechnology. Has a self-study course, as well as a quiz on GMOs.
http://persephone.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/news/backgrd/biotech_home.htm
University of California Biotech
This website provides science-based information to the public on issues relating to agricultural biotechnology. It has a comprehensive information section written for the general public on the main issues. For scientists there are educational materials and an extensive database of scientific literature. The education section provides curricula and teaching aids.
University of Reading
This site is dedicated to educating the public about biotechnology. University of Reading is in the United Kingdom.
http://www.ncbe.reading.ac.uk/NCBE/GMFOOD/menu.html
US Government Sites
Biotechnology Information Resource of the National Agricultural Library, USDA
Links to sources, services, and publications about agricultural biotechnology.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The official website provides information on FDA regulatory activities and news. Biotechnology is regulated under their Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
US Department of State International Information Programs: Biotechnology
Up-to-date information on policy and events.
http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/global/biotech/homepage.htm
Anti-GMO Sites
The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Food
The Center for Food Safety
Aims to ensure testing and regulation of genetically modified foods.
http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/
Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science & Technology
The PSRAST say that they are not opposed to genetic engineering, just to the irresponsible use of it, especially without testing. There is a lot of information, all marked according to elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Union of Concerned Scientists
This is a good site with frequently asked questions, fact sheets, news, views, case studies and an interactive feature.
Pro-GMO Sites
The Alliance for Better Foods
This US site presents biotechnology as a resource for increasing agricultural productivity and the world food supply.
CheckBiotech.Org
Checkbiotech is a privately owned, non-profit website that offers up-to-date news, events and information surrounding alternative energy through agriculture, agricultural genetics, orphan and rare diseases and BioValley life sciences. Checkbiotech is operated in conjunction with the ACCESS! program at the University of Basel, which is designed to help participants prepare themselves for their future career.
http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm
The Council for Biotechnology Information
Founded in April 2000 by leading biotechnology companies to create a comprehensive communication campaign about biotechnology. The council is committed to providing objective, balanced information to help you better understand and appreciate the benefits biotechnology offers, as well as to encourage informed debate about the issues it raises.”
Monsanto
Monsanto has a site on biotech basics, including a timeline, frequently asked questions and the benefits of biotechnology.
http://www.biotechbasics.com/index.html
ProBiotech
An independent, self-funded website from the UK.
http://www.probiotech.fsnet.co.uk/
Educational Curriculum Materials
Access Excellence
Access Excellence is a national educational program for high school biology and life science. Their biotech section includes downloadable materials, including graphics, for teachers.
http://www.accessexcellence.org/
Bio-Link
Bio-Link is a National Advanced Technological Education Center for Biotechnology funded by the National Science Foundation. Bio-Link aims to improve biotechnology education programs by providing professional development for instructors, improving curriculum and sharing information.
Their site includes a curriculum clearinghouse, online courses, state lists of biotech centers, and a good news link.
The European Initiative for Biotechnology Education
The EIBE seeks to promote understanding and debate on biotechnology in Europe. A group of multidisciplinary experts on biotechnology have produced educational units for 16-19 year olds to use in the classroom.
http://www.rdg.ac.uk/EIBE/ENGLISH/INTRO.HTM
Iowa State Biotechnology Outreach Education Center: Educational Resources
The center provides educational materials for grades 4-12, including classroom lab activities, curriculum units and case studies.
http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/Educational_resources.html
University of Kentucky: Publications and Visual Resources
The Biotechnology Research and Education Initiative have educational materials that can be downloaded from their site. Because the materials are for educational purposes, no fees are charged.
Wisconsin's Biotechnology and Food Handbook
The handbook has eight modules that can be used to teach children or adults. They also have a biotechnology and food resource directory, including biotechnology education handbooks, curriculum guides and videos, biotechnology and related newsletters and biotechnology trade journals.
http://www.agen.ufl.edu/~foodsaf/wihome.html
Courses, Conferences and Workshops
Iowa State Biotechnology Outreach Education Center
See this site for some workshops that take place in Ames, Iowa.
http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/publications/ed_resources/Workshops.html
Footnotes
This document is AEC369, one of a series of the Agricultural Education and Communication Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date April 2002. Revised May 2007. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
Tracy Irani, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0540.
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For more information on obtaining other extension publications,
contact your county Cooperative Extension service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service,
University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative
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