Well Chuffed!

Review of “Frenetic Genetics” on “mstliteracy” website (found 26\7\10):
a “wiki” by Biology (and other) teachers of California Education Dept .

“Frenetic Genetics
Poem written by Paul Butters
Posted by: Dianna Gregg

Genetic engineering’s here to stay
Possibilities are endless, scientists say:
Men mixed with anything we can find:
Oak trees, wasps, ants and elephants combined.
Satanic horror armies sweep their enemies away
And Frankenstein’s monster’s little but child’s play
Compared with this lot.
Yet with Good intent,
And wisdom heaven sent,
Utopia or Paradise could be on its way:
Bumper bug-free harvests every day,Giant fruit and docile, friendly beasts.
Food for all, and endless feasts.
All manner ofGoodOr EvilIs withinOur grasp.
It’s down to us.

Text Source: This poem can be found at the following link:http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/frenetic-genetics/
Summary: Just a short poem about genetic engineering

Favorite Part: “All manner of good or evil is within our grasp”. I don’t claim that this poem is great literature or anything, but it is pretty thought provoking.Connection to Instruction: I would use as a means to encourage discussion about the potential benefits and risks associated with genetic engineering.

Use of Literacy Strategies: I would use this as a pre-reading piece to introduce the topic of genetic engineering.”

(PB – I take it Dianna is an American\Californian Biology teacher. I personally don’t claim it’s “great” either, though maybe “good”. Am dealing with thoughts rather than beauty here. Chuffed to think it may be used in lessons, Biology or otherwise).