Designer Babies PBL

My classes are small and the kids all have access to technology.  Until quite recently, I taught in a large, poor, public school.  Even those kids had access to technology, typically via their smart phones.    I like kids to learn to use resources available to anyone with a device and wifi access.  My Life Science class is embarking on a PBL, Designer Babies.  The kids will create a blog, load content, evaluate resources, and write editorials on specific topics.  So where do we begin?  The kids need a gmail account.  Once the child has a gmail account, she has access to a host of resources, beginning with Google Docs and Drive to store content.

Next, the students open a Google page and log in using their gmail addresses.  Once logged in, the kids open Blogger and create a blog.

The students' blogs must have a concept map, embedded videos and links, a Prezi slideshow, new articles, and written commentary.  Free concept map tools are a great way to make sense of new terms, such as IVF or 'savior siblings'.  There are free  cmap apps for both Apple and Android devices.