Biotechnology plays a role in human health. Examples include using biotechnology to diagnose disease, prevent disease through the use of vaccines, and treat disease (e.g., genetic therapy). In this activity, students simulate the spread of disease, learn about different types of vaccines and the controversies surrounding them, and explore how genetically engineered plants can be used to produce a new class of edible vaccines.
This is one of 4 activities that can be found in PLT’s Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Risk Biotechnology Supplement. To get the activity, attend a training or purchase the supplement now from shop.plt.org. Below are some supporting resources for this activity.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 
The following tools and resources may be used to enhance the activity.
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BioInteractive’s Science Education Resources
At BioInteractive, you can find hundreds of free multimedia resources for science education targeted to a high school and undergraduate audience. Topics range from evolution to ecology, to diversity of organisms and earth and environment, to biotechnology and the scientific process. The resources include apps, animations, videos, interactive tutorials, and virtual labs to help engage students and explain difficult scientific concepts. Videos range from short clips to short films (15 to 30 minutes long) to full-length lectures on a specific topic given by top scientists working at the cutting edge of scientific research—all supplemented by teacher guides and classroom activities.
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Biotechnology and Human Health
This Powerpoint was created to be used a resource as an introduction to the topic and terms relating to the role of biotechnology in human health.
