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genETHICS2005 competitiongenETHICS finalistsSix finalists were selected from the genETHICS essay competition. They are:
About the competitionOpen to New Zealand students only. This document includes:
Following the success of last years’ inaugural genETHICS competition for New Zealand students, the Royal Society of New Zealand, NZ Association of Science Educators and NZ Organisation for Rare Disorders and Toi te taiao: Bioethics Council are pleased to announce the genETHICS competition 2005 for New Zealand. genETHICS is a unique and innovative competition that provides secondary school students with an opportunity to discuss ethical issues associated with human genetics research. genETHICS is open to all secondary school students but is most suitable for students in years 11, 12 and 13 studying Biology, Science, or English. To enter, students must prepare an essay of no more than 1500 words that considers the science underlying the attached scenario and the ethical issues that arise from it. Following essay assessment five students will be selected to present their views at a final in Wellington in August. All participating students will receive certificates; the winner will receive a certificate, and $350.00 cash prize. The winning school will receive $225.00 of book vouchers. The second place winner will be rewarded with a certificate and a $200 prize, and the three remaining finalists will receive a certificate and a $75.00 book voucher. Cash prizes and book vouchers are provided by NZORD. I have enclosed entry information for your school; this pack includes a list of instructions for teachers, the essay scenario with questions and selection criteria to address, entry form Please pass on this information to any teachers in your school who may be interested. Please note that each school may submit up to 5 entries only. You can find out more general information about genETHICS on the Gene CRC website (Australian website) in the learning centre section. I look forward to you and your school’s participation in this exciting event. Entries need to be sent to Debbie Woodhall, Royal Society of New Zealand, PO Box 598, Wellington by the 8th of July. Yours sincerely Debbie Woodhall Specialist Student Programmes: Royal Society of New Zealand genETHICS Scenario 2005Please note that although the following story is fictional, it is based on a real life situation Genetic information. . . a heartfelt quandary
Grace’s medical and family history indicated that she might be at risk of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. After much deliberation she decided to undergo genetic testing. She was recently tested and found to have a gene change (mutation) in the MYH7 gene associated with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. While she has taken her doctor’s advice to modify her lifestyle, including avoiding competitive sports and strenuous exercise, she plans to keep up her job as the local school bus driver. “There’s no way I’m telling my boss about this,” Grace said to her doctor. “My husband left me recently after his business went bankrupt and it’s up to me to support my two kids. My boss would have me out the door in a flash if he thought there was something wrong with me, and then what would I do? I don’t know how to do anything else. I’m taking care of myself, I’m a vegetarian and I do yoga twice a week. That’s more than I can say for some of the other drivers. They’re fat and smoke like chimneys; they’ll drop dead before me.” “Mr Moral Quandary works as the receptionist for Grace’s doctor. He is a member of school council, and his two children aged 14 and 16 travel on the local school bus. He is aware of Grace’s test results and plans to inform school council of Grace’s genetic risk status. “It’s a question of the broader interests of the community being more important than Grace’s right to privacy. My children travel on that bus and I would be remiss in my duties if I ignored the fact that she is endangering our community’s most precious assets,” he said. Mr Quandary’s plans have enraged his wife, Justice Quandary, who is a prominent civil rights activist. “Grace will suffer discrimination if you reveal her genetic status to the school committee”, she argued. “I want our children to remain on the bus to demonstrate the importance of civil freedom. Plus, how do you know what the test results mean? Grace may be at no more risk of dropping dead than you or I,” she said to her husband.
Question:What would you do if you were in Mr Quandary’s position? Would you inform school council, yes or no? Discuss the pros and cons of Mr Quandary informing school council, in a written submission of no more than 1500 words. You must argue all sides of the issue and give a yes or no verdict. genETHICS competition 2005Teacher InstructionsEntry:
Essays:
Submission:
Selection
FinalTuesday 23rd August, 2.00pm until 4.00pm at Royal Society of New Zealand Lecture Theatre, 11 Turnbull St, Thorndon, Wellington Please contact Debbie Woodhall, Phone 04 470 5762 or email Debbie.woodhall@rsnz.org if you would like to attend. Prizes:All participating students will receive certificates; the winner will receive a certificate, and $350.00 cash prize. The winning school will receive $225.00 of book vouchers. The second place winner will be rewarded with a certificate and a $200 prize, and the three remaining finalists will receive a certificate and a $75.00 book voucher. Cash prizes and book vouchers are provided by NZORD. genETHICS 2005 information for studentsYour submission may be written in any format you choose. Some suggestions include: an essay, a ‘script’ or a sketch for a play, a personal dialogue of a speech you would make or a newspaper article Essay Selection CriteriaEssays will be assessed according to the following criteria: 1. Demonstration of a basic understanding of the science underpinning genetic testing and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (approximately 500 words). Using appropriate references to the scenario:
(Please note: you are not expected to have a detailed knowledge of these concepts and methods, simply illustrate a basic understanding necessary to discuss the issues associated with this application.) 2. Describe lifestyle risk factors for coronary artery disease (which may cause sudden cardiac death) and compare these to the risks of having sudden cardiac death caused by Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. (approximately 200 words) 3. Demonstration of an understanding of the ethical and social implications of this situation (approximately 800 words)
The content, quality and organisation of your arguments, in relation to the question asked, will determine your success. Diagrams may be used and are not included in your word count. You should cite all references you use. Final Presentation Criteria:This presentation will be judged according to the above essay criteria, and also the following criteria:
Some ideas of presentation formats include: Staging a debate, a role play, a mock courtroom scene, a song or poem, a short video you have filmed and edited yourself, a public speaking address or presentation using multimedia. ReferencesYou might find some of the web sites below useful: For general genetics information:
For more specific information on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and genetic testing:
Glossary:You might find the following definitions useful
Entry formEntry form (Word) |
Grace has
had a hard time, to say the least. Eighteen months ago her 34 year old
brother died mysteriously in his sleep, and just six months ago a young
cousin collapsed and died at a rock concert. Grace has very few
memories of her father, who died suddenly when she was just five years
old. All three deaths were caused by heart attacks.