Apologia Biology: Designer Baby

Today was much better than last Thursday when I was pulling out my hair.  Today we talked about some of the major issues surrounding Designer Babies.  First, we discussed the main reasons for infertility.  Then we talked about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).  Note the drugs such as oral contraceptives and follicle stimulating drugs used—which also have side effects.   Then, we talked about other big issues: embryo storage, custody issues, surrogates, savior siblings, etc.  Our discussion is broad—-not graphic at all.  Our perspective is very pro-life.  Once we covered the broad overview, the kids started to create blog posts.  The first one was an opinion post about IVF.  I want something more than Yuck or Ewwww!  Then the kids are posting separate posts about what are Designer Babies and what is IVF.  Next class we’re doing genetics.  The kids are going to work on these posts at home when class is canceled or snow, ice, high winds, flu....or just for being January and February.

Apologia Biology—still here, but stalled.

Update:  We met today to create new blogs and concept maps.  Total recall app is the one I recommend for iPads or iPhones.  Here is a review of other sites.  The kids are creating blogs now for the Designer Baby Project.  Finally.


We met on Thursday last week to finish the Carbohydrate, Fats, Sugar, and Protein lab tests.  I was afraid it would become the never ending lab.  After Christmas, we are weathering snow and flu.  I hope to meet again Thursday this week.  My goal is to have the kids make the different molecules and describe how they are different.  I’d like them to revise their lab notes, too.  We’re going to start the Designer Baby Project next.  I need to have the kids learn how to create blog posts and use different software apps.  Don’t give up!  I’ll be back.