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Educational Materials
Genetically Modified Crops
VHS videotape. Produced by ABC News. Distributed by Films for the Humanities and Sciences [(800)257-5126, http://www.films.com ], $89.95.
Target Audience: The target audience is the general public. The purpose is to introduce the controversy surrounding foods with genetically modified ingredients. The video has a superficial introduction, assuming some familiarity with genetic terminology.
Purpose: The video presents concerns about the safety of genetically manipulated plants and animals (GMOs). It initially shows Greenpeace activists destroying a field. One farmer is interviewed, to illustrate that food producers are retreating from growing and marketing GMOs due to public opposition, especially in Europe. Several GMOs are briefly described, with brief allusions to studies of environmental damage. Secretary of Agriculture Glickman, the activist Jeremy Rifkin, and a representative of the biotechnology industry debate possible health hazards of GMOs and the advisability of food labels.
Strengths: The presentation is well edited and holds attention. Various points of view are presented. The position of the U. S. Department of Agriculture is particularly well articulated.
Weaknesses: Educational value is limited. Crucial detail regarding the variety of genetic manipulation and the range of appropriate safety concerns is lacking. Attention is focused on short-term effects, ignoring possible long-term alterations in the environment. The current broad spectrum of research is reduced to a single negative example. Valid specific criteria for assessing safety are not debated by either supporters or opponents.
Recommendations: The video is appropriate as a Frontline program, for raising awareness. Does not provide a sufficiently scholarly approach to allow the general public to make informed decisions. Not recommended.
Molly Mastrangelo
Allegany College of Maryland
Oldtown, Md.
Video: Overview of Biotechnology
Videotape. Produced by Meridian Productions. Distributed by Films for the Humanities and Sciences [(800)257-5126, http://www.films.com ], 15 minutes, $79.
Target Audience: This video is aimed at nonbiology majors, possibly business or other majors, or high school students who may be interested in jobs in biotechnology.
Purpose: To introduce viewers to the general concept of biotechnology in the broadest sense.
Description: This video introduces viewers to the general concepts of biotechnology. It provides basic information and shows the relationship of biotechnology to many different industries, ones that are normally considered biotechnology, such as the production of cotton and textile industry, in breeding of animals and plants (by nonrecombinant DNA methods), in forensic studies, and in "human factors engineering" such as the production and design of a pad for use with a computer mouse. It completely steers away from discussions of genetically engineered food or the use of biotechnology in the pharmaceutical industry. In terms of actual discoveries it mentions "pioneers" of biotechnology as Pasteur and Mendel. It does give a very brief overview of genetics.
Strengths/Weaknesses: I did not find this video very informative as to the recent advances in the biotechnology industry. It was not too clear as to what audience it was meant for. It should have included more of the current biotechnology industry, even at the risk of being controversial. In the accompanying notes the producers' state that the omission of detailed "controversial" areas was deliberate. I found the use of loud rock music as background disturbing. At time the music prevented me from hearing narrative.
Recommendations: I would not recommend this video for biology or microbiology students.
Milton W. Taylor
Indiana University, Bloomington
The Origin of Life
VHS videotape. Films for the Humanities and Sciences [(800)257-5126, http://www.films.com ], $75 (rental), $129 (purchase).
Audience: Although the video does not state a targeted audience, it is assumed that the viewer has a basic understanding of the roles of DNA and RNA for making proteins; therefore, the show is appropriate for evolution discussions in advanced high school and introductory college general biology classes.
Description: This 60-minute video examines how the complex processes of protein synthesis and the ability to pass this information to future generations evolved from a primitive solution of biochemical molecules. The video, a lecture by Professor John Maynard Smith of Sussex University in England, explains how saturated solutions of molecules were able to create complex polymers. These polymers were then able to create forms that were capable of multiplication, variation, and hereditary life.
The role of DNA in "creating" life involves the complex process of accurate replication and a decoding of the message to make proteins, and these processes are far too complicated for them to have arisen by chance in the primitive oceans. Since both processes require enzymes to ensure their speed and accuracy, evolution is presented with a Catch-22. Professor Smith hypotheses that the dilemma is solved by using ribozymes with amino acid cofactors serving as the initial enzymes.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Since the video is a lecture (with limited visuals) that was given at the Royal Institute, I found the tape to be dry and I fear that a class will be quickly bored.
Recommendation: Even though I found the talk very informative and considering the cost of the tape, I would not sacrifice valuable class time to show the tape.
Karen J. Dalton
Community College of Baltimore County
Catonsville, Md.
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