1. Remember to remain respectful when discussing your ideas.
Lesson Outcomes
To recall the definitions of some key terms
Validate a position using reasoning and evidence
Apply an understanding of ethics
Investigate the impact of scientific investigations
Note:
Remember to remain respectful when discussing your ideas.

2. Match the words and definitions
Being sexually attracted to both men and women.
A system of moral values based on what may be considered right and wrong
A woman sexually attracted to women.
A way to decide who is male or female according to social rules
A person who identifies as a different sex from that given when born.
An identity based on whom you find attractive
Referring to same-sex attraction, particularly to males
Being sexually attracted to the opposite sex.
Sexual orientation
Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Heterosexual
Gender Identity
Ethics
Trans

3. Ethics is an important part of scientific investigation
Ethics is an important part of scientific investigation. In your small groups, discuss the following two questions. (Decide who will report back your group’s ideas.)
Q. What does ‘Ethics’ mean and how might it be important to scientific investigation?
Q. Scientists have made significant progress mapping the human genome. Are there times when using this information should be limited?

4. Who is affected? Read the article: ‘The Science of Being Gay’
Make notes under the following headings:
Suggested ‘causes’ of homosexuality
Suggested evidence to support the ‘causes’
Evaluation of the validity of this ‘evidence’

5. In the article Dr Kathy Sant is quoted: ‘That (the) history of oppression gives us every reason to have grave concerns about the way research is going today.’
☻In small groups of 3 or 4, discuss the following questions:
Q. What do you think she meant by this?
Q. In what way can researching the ‘Gay Gene’ have a negative impact?

6. Now… Divide the whole class into 2 groups
One group take the role of scientists and the other of a group representing the alternative view
Use information from the article and your own knowledge to present your arguments
The scientists will argue the importance into their continued research into finding the ‘cause’ of homosexuality
The other group should argue against this continued research

7. Homework
You are responsible for a group of scientists. They come to you to ask if they can research peoples’ brains to see if LGBT brains are different to non LGBT brains.
Write a letter in response to their request.
Include what you think of their proposal, any extra information you need from them, why they should/shouldn’t do the research.
Take ethics into consideration for your response.

8. Finally… Write a comment about this lesson
Was this an interesting lesson?
Write down 2 new facts you learnt
Is there something you would like to investigate further?