Weird Science

1
Weird Science

• Cross-Curricular Teaching of Frankenstein

2
How did we get to this point?

• Disease lottery (physician heal thyself)
• Scientist study and projects
• Science firsts (create a timeline)
• Basic life science studies (using cell, DNA, and
  skeleton models)

3
Lab

• Hands on activity to show how our genetics make
  us who we are
• Marshmallow Meiosis (Rebop)
• Human Genome Project

4
Mary Shelleys Life Influences

• Life
• Death
• Tragedy
• Dreams

5
Science Fiction Defined

• Isaac Asimov
• Modern science fiction is the only form of
  literature that consistently considers the nature
  of the changes that face us, the possible
  consequences, and the possible solutions.
• That branch of literature which is concerned with
  the impact of scientific advance upon human
  beings.
• (1952)

6
Hollywoods Versions of Frankenstein

• Young Frankenstein
• Boris Karloff
• Veggie Tales

7
The Story

• Victor Frankenstein creates a monster from grave
  digging for body parts
• He animates it with electricity
• Frankenstein immediately abandons the creation
  out of fear
• The monster accidentally kills Frankensteins
  brother

8
The Story Continues

• The monster has feelings, confronts Victor, and
  wants a female companion
• The monster begins the narration and shows his
  need for friendship, love, and revenge
• Victor dies seeking the monster
• The monster goes into the Arctic to die alone

9
Ethics

• Debate based on current knowledge
• What would you do to keep yourself or a loved one
  alive?
• What is morally ok in the world of medicine?
• How do you justify experimenting on animals and
  humans?

10
Controversial Science

• Xenograft- Baby Fae, Jeff Getty
• Abortion
• Vaccinations
• Visible Human Project
• The National Bioethics Advisory Committee (2001)
• Organ Transplants
• Blood transfusions

11
Current Controversies

• Stem Cell Research
• Cloning
• Genetic Manipulation
• Fertility Treatments

12
Bioethics Committee

• In groups students select a current controversy
  and determine the ethically correct course of
  action and guidelines for appropriate use of the
  technology.
• Class creates a list of guidelines by reviewing
  individual group lists and generating a consensus.

13
Final Assessments

• Literary analysis illustrating one of the themes
• Essay must illustrate the theme using text from
  the book and research related to science,
  technology, ethics, and/or modern film
  adaptations.
• Frankenstein Soundtrack
• Burned CD or tape must include 5 songs, lyrics,
  and explanation as to why each song represents
  the novel.