Biotechnology is part of everyday life and has been for thousands of years. People have cultured bacteria to make yoghurt and cheese, used yeasts to make bread, fermented grapes to make wine and selectively bred plants and animals to create new types of fruits, more powerfully scented flowers and sheep with whiter, finer wool. We also use it as a more natural means of pest control.
In this activity, students test their knowledge of biotechnology basics with an online or paper-based quiz. The quiz covers three general areas: food (yoghurt and cheese making), composting and biocontrol. It can be used as an introductory tool to gauge prior student knowledge, for summative assessment or as an engaging treasure hunt to introduce students to some of the components of biotechnology in action.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- answer broad questions about biotechnology products and techniques
- check or revise their answers using related web articles.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
- background information for teachers
- student instructions.
