The HFE Act Essay Example

The HFE Act Essay Example The HFE Act Essay The HFE Act Essay The HFEA are very specific with regard to in vitro gametes, providing strong counter argument against any such fears. The HFE Act 2008 (amendment) states, The derivation of in-vitro derived gametes for research does not require a licence from the HFEA. However, a licence would be required if researchers wished to use in vitro derived gametes to create an embryo to test whether they were capable of fertilisation. Anybody wishing to create embryos for research using in vitro derived gametes would require a licence from the HFEA (hfea.gov.uk). The Act continues, Under the HFE Act (as amended), in vitro derived gametes are allowed for research but not treatment (hfea.gov.uk). In addition, the HFEA have also recognised the importance of predicting any potential domino effects that may occur at a genetic level as a direct result of the production of artificial sperm. The HFEA have been concentrating on horizon-scanning work and is continuing to monitor the progress of scientific research in this area (hgc.gov.uk). The recognition that equal measure must be applied through the horizon-scanning project in order to shield the natural selection process from the manufacture of artificial gametes is a very important step; something that the HFEA strongly support in defence of their controls on todays scientific studies. In response to the amendments of 2008 Dr David King, Director of Human Genetics Alert, responded, The new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act is definitely a step in the wrong direction, although none of the changes it makes are, in themselves, disastrous; the most worrying aspect is the opening of the door to research on Human Genetic Modification (hgalert.org). Conclusion There can be no doubt that the 21st century is witnessing a laboratory driven scientific revolution with a myriad of developmental studies being undertaken globally; rooted firmly in this core are studies into human genetics and recombinant DNA techniques (hgc.gov.uk). Even though these steps are on the whole encouraging, many challenges still remain. Among those challenges is public opinion; even though there have been many changes in public attitude to genetic advances, those opinions surrounding the creation of life are still sensitive. Although it is true that we all share a common goal and that the aim of any genetic testing is to strengthen the human race against the future, there are strong links to suggest that a lack of genetic variability and random mutation in a population often holds catastrophic consequences. Clearly there are still many options we must to consider and debate in order to agree how to progress, however, progress we must and undeniably this must involve genetic studies. Perhaps the question we should be asking is just because we have developed the technology with which to continue studies of this nature, should we really consider moving forward with the studies without the ability of guaranteeing all potential outcomes. References Macrae, F. (2009) Daily Mail [online]. London, UK. Available from : -dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1198132/Ethical-storm-flares-British-scientists-create-artificial-sperm-human-stem-cells.html [Accessed 6th December 2009]. Hanlon, M. (2009) Daily Mail [online]. London, UK. Available from : -dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1198202/MICHAEL-HANLON-Are-brink-society-need-men.html [Accessed 6th December 2009] Templeton, S-K. (2009) The Times [online]. London, UK. Available from :Â  timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article6689486.ece [Accessed 6th December 2009]. Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (2009) Backgrounds and Briefings: In Vitro Derived Gametes [online]. London, UK. Available from : Â  hfea.gov.uk/1403.html [Accessed 6th December 2009].

Emergency Lesson Plans for Elementary Teachers

Emergency Lesson Plans for Elementary Teachers There are going to be times when you will be absent from school due to unforeseen circumstances. To ensure your classroom continues to run smoothly, you should plan ahead by creating emergency lesson plans. These plans will provide the substitute teacher with what should be covered throughout the day. Its a good idea to keep these lesson plans in the main office or mark where they are located somewhere in your substitute folder. Here are a few ideas that you can add to your emergency plan folder: Reading/Writing Provide a list of writing prompts and have the students use their creative writing skills to develop a story based on the prompt they chose.Provide the substitute with a few books to read to the students and have him/her choose any of the following activities for the students to complete:Write a paragraph telling what character was your favorite.Write a paragraph telling what your favorite part of the story was.Discuss a book that was similar to the one that you just heard.Make a bookmark and include the name of the book, the author, the main character and a picture of an important event that happened in the story.Write an extension of the story.Write a new ending to the story.Write what you think will happen next in the story.Write spelling words in ABC order.Have students answer questions from textbooks that you normally would not have the students answer.Provide a copy of the book Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson and have the students use the ready strategy Sketch- to-Stretch to re-tell the story. Have students use the letters in their spelling words to make sentences. For example, if they had the spelling word Storm they would use the letters to write the sentence, Sally tasted only red MMs. Games/Art Play bingo with spelling words. Have students fold paper into squares and write one spelling word on each square.Play the game Around the World with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, spelling words or states.Play Spelling Relay. Separate students into teams (boys vs girls, rows) then call out a spelling word and the first team to write it correctly on the front board gets a point for their team.Play the Dictionary Game. Make sure you have enough dictionaries for all students or at least for teams of two. Then hand out a worksheet with at least 10 words on it for the students to find their meaning and write a sentence about it.Have students draw a map of their classroom and provide a key for it.Make a poster of your favorite book. Include the title, author, main character and main idea of the story. Quick Tips Make lessons that are simple and easy to do. You never know the expertise of the teacher that will be in your classroom.Make sure plans cover ALL subjects. Your best bet is to have these lessons be review lessons because the substitute will have no idea where you are in your curriculum, and you will not know when the emergency will occur.Include a few easy worksheets or Scholastic News magazines that the students can read and discuss together as a class.Prepare a theme for the day folder and place related activities in the folder. Ideas for themes are space, sports, bugs, etc.Allow the substitute to offer the students an extra 15 minutes of free time at the end of the day if the students behaved appropriately.