This workshop provided an opportunity for pupils to think and talk about the potential benefits and problems of an advance in DNA technology by engaging in debate with a panel of experts. The objectives of this workshop were to allow pupils to interact with practising scientists, ethicists, philosophers and legal experts in order to gain a better understanding of the issues involved.

Pupils were set in groups of five and a 'dilemma' surrounding a current DNA related topic was presented to them.
For example, 'Should people be convicted solely on DNA fingerprint evidence obtained from the scene of a crime?'

Pupils were invited to give their initial reaction to the dilemma, then after an opportunity to discuss the topic within their groups, a short structured session allowed pupils to generate questions to ask a panel of scientists and ethicists. This provided the basis for a wider and more open debate. Pupils were then given time to reflect as a group and later asked to write their decision on a voting card.

Running the workshop

Dilemmas

	A life for a life Questions and voting slips 'Extra' expert briefing notes Pupil votes			The spoils of war Questions and voting slips Pupil votes
	Testing times Questions and voting slips Pupil votes			Guilty or not guilty Questions and voting slips Pupil votes