Biotechnology! is a freely available community research guide developed by the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) in partnership with the InterAcademy Partnership as part of the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project. These Smithsonian Science for Global Goals community research guides use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to focus on sustainable actions that are defined and implemented by students.
Biotechnology! is the new community research guide from the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project for students aged 11 to 18. In the guide, young people explore the question “How can we ethically create a sustainable future using biotechnology?” They learn more about the potential of biotechnology while considering best way to navigate risks and concerns. While using the guide young people will become action researchers to identify and help solve problems in their community. They work through topics in biotechnology such as food systems, materials, human health, genetic data, the environment, and security. Along the way, young people are introduced to a wide variety of perspectives, develop research skills, and learn from real scientists from around the globe. After discovering their own knowledge and feelings about their communities, young people understand the different aspects of biotechnology through scientific and social scientific investigations. Then they use what they know and have learned to decide and implement actions to make their communities better.
