Science curriculum presents many topics that have ethical components. Biology curriculum offers many opportunities to discuss ethical issues and to foster growth in moral maturity. One helpful strategy is to ask students to keep a journal of values and concerns throughout the year. The student will see growth as the year progresses. An ethical approach to the teaching of biology can make the discipline relevant to the students and equip them to be more responsible members of the human family.
Adolescents can take responsibility for their behavior.
Behavior, which at first looks like an individual's private choice, is seen to affect a large circle of peers, family and community. This activity will fit the content area involving the immune system. Students, acting in the role of epidemiologists, explore the dilemmas of HIV infection presented by the simulation. In cooperative groups, students identify values and make decisions based on ethical principles of human dignity, beneficence and justice. Students produce a play, skit, broadcast, puppet show, story or some vehicle to present HIV information to younger children.