This case study can be used for introductory classes in a range of disciplines. The specifics were developed to incorporate recently published results from an experiment that is receiving significant national attention. Similar case studies can be developed to include news breaking at the time a class is taught, which will help students understand the importance and relevancy of examining science and the corresponding ethics of science.
Harbans Bhardwaj - Virginia State University
Nancy Jo Ehlke - University of Minnesota
Gary Jackson - Mississippi State University
David Knauft - University of Georgia
Dorene Petrosky - Delaware State University
Sweet corn is an important crop for many farmers and consumers. It is grown on significant acreage throughout the United States. Insects cause significant damage to sweet corn, both reducing yields and making the corn unacceptable for consumption. In many cases, farmers control the insects with pesticides. This practice is expensive and it is often not effective, since pesticides can kill a broad spectrum of both damaging and beneficial insects. Improper use of pesticides can cause environmental damage.
A certain type of corn has been genetically engineered, using the Bt gene. This gene occurs in a bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis) naturally found in the soil. When the bacterial gene is genetically engineered into a corn plant, the plant's cells produce a crystalline protein normally made by the bacteria. When certain types of insects consume corn cells with this crystalline protein, the insects die. This Bt corn is used to control certain types of insect pests on corn without causing damage to beneficial insects.
Milkweed plants are found along the edge of many corn fields. Monarch butterfly larvae feed exclusively on milkweed. When Bt corn pollen falls on milkweed leaves, which are consumed by monarch larvae, many of the monarch larvae die.
An environmental group has found monarch butterflies absent from an area where they were previously found in abundance. An entomologist was contacted to examine this situation and found dead larvae in and around fields of Bt sweet corn. The farmer is growing Bt sweet corn for environmental and economic reasons (reduced use of pesticides and higher yields).
Five representatives have emerged with an interest in the kind of corn the farmer grows next year. Each representative has a viewpoint on this issue. The representatives and their views include:
1. Farmer (wants to grow Bt corn)
2. Environmentalist (wants farmer to grow conventional corn)
3. Seed company representative (grow Bt corn)
4. Scientist (ecologist, entomologist, or other discipline) (can
choose either viewpoint)
5. Consumer (grow conventional corn)
Class should be divided into five groups, with each group assigned a representative and the corresponding viewpoint. The groups should select from among themselves the following:
A facilitator to keep the discussion on track
A recorder
A time keeper
A spokesperson
The groups should gather and discuss this situation. Their viewpoint should be formulated, listing the reasons for their opinion regrading future Bt corn production. Through the spokesperson, the group should make a recommendation about the type of corn to be grown the following year.
The groups should construct (a) a moral argument for each representative's conclusion, and (b) an argument for the conclusion including factual and normative premises. For example:
Farmer's conclusion: "I ought to be allowed to grow Bt corn."
Factual premises: 1._______________________
2._______________________
For example: Bt is more environmentally friendly because
the bacteria is
naturally found in the soil.
Normative premises: 1.________________________
2. ________________________
For example: We should respect the beauty, integrity, and stability of the biotic community.
Spokespersons for the five groups will meet in front of class and discuss the issue. At the end of the discussion, each member of the class will vote on the question of whether farmers ought to be allowed to grow Bt corn. In the end, the spokespersons should vote their conscience.