Four teachers will have the opportunity to pilot the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and the International Food Information Council Foundation‘s new educational resources.  “Bringing Biotechnology to Life” is a set of free lessons that teach students about agriculture biotechnology and how it affects food production.

The four educators are: Amy Dawson of Paragould, Arkansas; Ginger Reimer of Claremore, Oklahoma; Christy Reynolds of Camden, Arkansas; and Melissa Smith of Alpena, Michigan.  In addition, each teacher will also receive a $100 credit for the Foundation’s resource store, www.agfoundation.org.

“Our goal is to help consumers understand the impact biotechnology makes on agriculture and our lives through this fact- and research-based resource that has been reviewed by an array of scientists,” said Julie Tesch, executive director of the Foundation. “This science-based classroom resource includes applicable lessons to provide students with the tools they need to make informed decisions about the practical uses of biotechnology.”

Topics covered in the material include: DNA, selective breeding, biotechnology, and GMOs.  A public presentation module is also included, encouraging students to research and then present what they’ve learned to an audience outside the classroom.

“Bringing Biotechnology to Life guides learners through the process of understanding DNA, selective breeding, biotechnology and GMOs,” Tesch said. “In addition, students are presented with tools to evaluate the reliability of information they see and hear.”

The Bringing Biotechnology to Life Version 1.0 learning kit is available for download at no cost at http://www.foodinsight.org/biotech-curricula or http://www.agfoundation.org/images/uploads/EG_Biotech_Final.pdf.  Version 2.0 is schedule to arrive early next year.