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The Plant Health Instructor

Volume: 08
Year: 2008
Article Type: Lab Exercises
​​​​​Classroom Activities in Plant Biotechnology

​Stephens, J. and J. Leach 

​Colorado State University

Date Accepted: 01 Jan 2008
Date Published: 01 Jan 2008
DOI: 

​10.1094/PHI-K-2008-0226-01

Keywords: Biotechnology




The world's human population is still increasing, and food production must increase to keep pace. In the face of changing climates and the pressures of insects and diseases, this is a difficult task.

What is the role of biotechnology in increasing food production? Can it be used to adapt crops to the pressures mentioned? This is an important issue that must be understood not just by scientists but also by the general population.

This program aims to introduce elementary and high school students to the basics of plant biotechnology. It includes several classroom experiments that can be modified to suit the ages of the students. Some units require students to research and write their own opinions on the use, risks, and benefits of plant biotechnology in today's world as well as the impact of changing climate on food production regions of the world.

For questions regarding this web site, contact Dr. Jan Stephens at Janice.Stephens@.colostate.edu

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