Example 1 – Article / Poster
Feedback: (A Level) Provides extensive, thoughtful arguments, supporting evidence, incorporates deeper
reasoning, makes strong connections to scientific and ethical themes.
Designer Babies: A Look into the Future of Human Evolution
By Student 1
What is a Designer Baby?
A designer baby is a child whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected or altered using reproductive technologies. More
recently, the development of gene-editing tools like CRISPR has opened the possibility of genetically modifying embryos to
add or remove traits before birth, such as increased intelligence, strength, or specific physical attributes.
How are they made?
The process begins with IVF. Several embryos are created in a lab. Through genetic screening, scientists
examine these embryos for known gene disorders (e.g. cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease). In some
cases, gene therapy can be used to correct faulty genes before implantation. This level of control over
inheritance raises major ethical and scientific questions.
Arguments FOR Arguments AGAINST
Disease Prevention and Health Benefits Loss of Genetic Diversity and Unintended
-The most widely supported benefit is the ability to prevent Consequences
inherited genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, -Genetic diversity is crucial for a species’ survival. It helps
muscular dystrophy, and sickle cell anaemia. By eliminating populations adapt to change and resist disease. If we start
these mutations from the gene pool, families can avoid pain, editing out traits that seem undesirable now, we might
suffering, and costly long-term treatments. remove traits that are valuable later.
At a population level, this could reduce the burden on For example, the gene that causes sickle cell anaemia also
healthcare systems and improve overall quality of life. It’s a provides resistance to malaria. Without fully understanding
logical progression of existing practices like genetic how genes interact, we may cause new problems while
counselling, but with the power to act before birth. solving old ones. Evolution depends on variation, and
removing too much variation could weaken our adaptability
Accelerating Human Evolution and Innovation as a species.
-Some scientists argue that we have a responsibility to
improve the human gene pool, especially if it can prevent Moral Slippery Slope and "Playing God"
suffering or enhance survival. In this view, using gene editing -Once we start choosing traits, we’ll go beyond health and
could be a form of directed evolution, helping humans into cosmetic or personality enhancements, like height,
adapt to modern environments, diseases, or even life eye colour, musical talent, or extroversion. This raises
beyond Earth. philosophical questions: Who decides what traits are
Rather than relying on the slow and random process of desirable?
natural selection, we could deliberately evolve in positive Once we cross certain ethical lines, it may become difficult
directions, perhaps increasing resistance to viruses or to draw the boundary between medical necessity and
adapting to climate change.
personal preference.
Final Thoughts…
I believe the idea of using gene technology to prevent suffering and disease is very ethical and aligns with human values like
compassion and care. If we can eliminate painful genetic conditions, I think we should. However, I believe there must be strict
regulations to ensure this technology is used fairly, safely, and ethically.
I’m concerned about the idea of designing babies for intelligence or beauty. If we focus too much on "perfecting" children, we
might lose sight of the value of individuality, diversity, and human complexity.
From a scientific view, this debate reflects a shift in evolution: humans are becoming the selective force, rather than nature.
This makes it even more important that we apply our knowledge of mutations, inheritance, and natural selection wisely and
with humility.
Rubric – Example 1
Criteria A B C D E
Understanding of Excellent explanation showing Some attempt to
Great explanation showing Basic explanation No explanation or
designer babies deep understanding of genetic describe what designer
clear understanding of showing good inaccurate
technology and clear links to babies are, with
(What they are + how genetic technology and some understanding of designer information
DNA, mutations, and minimal detail or
they are made) links to DNA or mutations. babies and their creation. provided.
inheritance. clarity.
Excellent arguments with
Arguments FOR and Some arguments
strong reasoning and detailed Great arguments with good Basic arguments for both
AGAINST attempted, but No clear arguments
support, showing insight into reasoning and some sides with clear ideas and
incomplete or lacking provided.
(At least 2 each) social, ethical, and biological supporting details. simple explanations.
detail.
issues.
Excellent justification, clearly
Great logical reasoning and No opinion or
Personal Opinion & connected to science concepts Some or unclear
some connection to science Basic simple explanation. unsupported
Justification (e.g. evolution, ethics, justification.
ideas. statement.
mutations).
Scientific
Connections Excellent incorporation of
Great use of science Basic reference to Some attempt to use
relevant science concepts with No scientific
(Overall links to DNA, concepts with relevant science ideas with some science ideas, but
deep insight and clear connections made.
mutations, natural examples or explanations. relevance. unclear or limited.
explanations.
selection, evolution)
Presentation & Excellent presentation that is Some structure or
Communication Great presentation that is Basic presentation that No clear structure or
highly engaging, well- effort in presentation,
engaging and communicates communicates ideas communication of
(Creativity, clarity, structured, and clearly but unclear or
ideas well. clearly. ideas.
structure) communicates ideas. incomplete.
FINAL GRADE: A
Example 2 – Short Essay
Feedback: (C Level) Demonstrates a basic understanding, has all required elements, but doesn’t go deeply
into examples or implications.
Designer Babies – Are They a Good Idea?
By Student 2kgvsthbsb
Introduction
A designer baby is a baby that has been chosen or changed in some way before it is born. Scientists can
test embryos before they are placed in the mother to see if they have certain traits or diseases. Some
people also talk about changing the DNA to pick certain things, but this is still being researched.
Designer babies are usually made using IVF. This means eggs and sperm are joined in a lab. Then
scientists look at the fertilised egg and sperm and choose ones that don’t have diseases. Sometimes
gene editing tools like CRISPR are used to try and fix the DNA or to make babies look a certain way that
the parents want.
Arguments in support of Designer Babies
One reason people support designer babies is to stop genetic diseases. If parents have a disease in their
family, they can stop it from being passed on. This helps the child have a healthier life. It’s a good way
to use science to help families and prevent suffering.
Another reason is that parents can make choices about their baby’s future. They might want their child
to be healthier or have a better chance at life. Even things like intelligence or height might be picked.
Some people think this is just part of being a good parent.
Arguments against Designer Babies
Some people think designer babies are unfair because only rich people might be able to afford it. This
could lead to bigger gaps between rich and poor. It might create a world where some people are seen as
better just because of their genes.
Another problem is that it might not be safe or natural and changing genes could cause problems later.
Also, this stops evolution from happening. Some people say we shouldn’t mess with nature.
My Opinion
I think designer babies can be a good thing, but only for health reasons. If it helps stop serious diseases,
then it can be helpful, but I don’t think we should use it for things like appearance or personality. It’s
important to be careful with this technology and not go too far.
Conclusion
Designer babies are a big topic in science and society. They connect to what we’ve learned about DNA,
mutations, and evolution. I think they can be helpful for health reasons, but we need rules so it doesn’t
cause more problems in the future.
Rubric – Example 2
Criteria A B C D E
Understanding of Excellent explanation showing Some attempt to
Great explanation showing Basic explanation No explanation or
designer babies deep understanding of genetic describe what designer
clear understanding of showing good inaccurate
technology and clear links to babies are, with
(What they are + how genetic technology and some understanding of designer information
DNA, mutations, and minimal detail or
they are made) links to DNA or mutations. babies and their creation. provided.
inheritance. clarity.
Excellent arguments with
Arguments FOR and Some arguments
strong reasoning and detailed Great arguments with good Basic arguments for both
AGAINST attempted, but No clear arguments
support, showing insight into reasoning and some sides with clear ideas and
incomplete or lacking provided.
(At least 2 each) social, ethical, and biological supporting details. simple explanations.
detail.
issues.
Excellent justification, clearly
Great logical reasoning and No opinion or
Personal Opinion & connected to science concepts Some or unclear
some connection to science Basic simple explanation. unsupported
Justification (e.g. evolution, ethics, justification.
ideas. statement.
mutations).
Scientific
Connections Excellent incorporation of
Great use of science Basic reference to Some attempt to use
relevant science concepts with No scientific
(Overall links to DNA, concepts with relevant science ideas with some science ideas, but
deep insight and clear connections made.
mutations, natural examples or explanations. relevance. unclear or limited.
explanations.
selection, evolution)
Presentation & Excellent presentation that is Some structure or
Communication Great presentation that is Basic presentation that No clear structure or
highly engaging, well- effort in presentation,
engaging and communicates communicates ideas communication of
(Creativity, clarity, structured, and clearly but unclear or
ideas well. clearly. ideas.
structure) communicates ideas. incomplete.
FINAL GRADE: C
Example 3 – Creative Poster
Feedback: (B Level) clear understanding and reasoning, with great use of scientific concepts, but lacks some depth and insight
Stopping Genetic Disease
Some babies inherit serious health conditions from their
parents. Designer baby technology can stop this from
happening. Families can avoid pain and medical costs,
and the baby can have a healthier life.
Planning for a Better Life
Parents want the best for their child. With these tools,
they can make sure the child is born healthy, and maybe
in the future, even with stronger abilities. Some people
think this is just another way to care for your child, like
giving them a good education or food.
Not Everyone Can Afford It
These procedures are very expensive. If only rich families
can afford it, this could make a big difference between
groups of people in society. It might create unfair
advantages.
Too Risky or Unnatural
Changing DNA might cause unexpected results. We do
not fully understand how all genes work together. Also,
some people believe we should not control how babies are
born, because it goes against the natural way of
evolution.
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Rubric – Example 3
Criteria A B C D E
Understanding of Excellent explanation showing Some attempt to
Great explanation showing Basic explanation No explanation or
designer babies deep understanding of genetic describe what designer
clear understanding of showing good inaccurate
technology and clear links to babies are, with
(What they are + how genetic technology and some understanding of designer information
DNA, mutations, and minimal detail or
they are made) links to DNA or mutations. babies and their creation. provided.
inheritance. clarity.
Excellent arguments with
Arguments FOR and Some arguments
strong reasoning and detailed Great arguments with good Basic arguments for both
AGAINST attempted, but No clear arguments
support, showing insight into reasoning and some sides with clear ideas and
incomplete or lacking provided.
(At least 2 each) social, ethical, and biological supporting details. simple explanations.
detail.
issues.
Excellent justification, clearly
Great logical reasoning and No opinion or
Personal Opinion & connected to science concepts Some or unclear
some connection to science Basic simple explanation. unsupported
Justification (e.g. evolution, ethics, justification.
ideas. statement.
mutations).
Scientific
Connections Excellent incorporation of
Great use of science Basic reference to Some attempt to use
relevant science concepts with No scientific
(Overall links to DNA, concepts with relevant science ideas with some science ideas, but
deep insight and clear connections made.
mutations, natural examples or explanations. relevance. unclear or limited.
explanations.
selection, evolution)
Presentation & Excellent presentation that is Some structure or
Communication Great presentation that is Basic presentation that No clear structure or
highly engaging, well- effort in presentation,
engaging and communicates communicates ideas communication of
(Creativity, clarity, structured, and clearly but unclear or
ideas well. clearly. ideas.
structure) communicates ideas. incomplete.
FINAL GRADE: B