De-extinction: good v bad

Should we revive animals from extinction?

Collage of pages from the “De-extinction: good v bad” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 06 June 2025

About this lesson

In April 2025, Colossal Biosciences announced that it had successfully genetically modified a grey wolf to include DNA from an extinct species, the dire wolf.

But should animals be genetically modified? And what are the ethical and scientific considerations in deciding which extinct species to revive?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Learn about genetic modification and DNA
  • Consider which animals – if any – should be brought back to life
  • Discuss the benefits and potential risks of de-extinction
Download the resource (Zip 30MB)

Skills and knowledge

  • Listening

    Step 1: I speak clearly to small groups of people I know
    Did you speak clearly when working in your group to sort the cards?

    Step 8: I speak engagingly by using visual aids to support my points
    Did you use the pictures to support your discussions on the odd one out?

    Step 14: I speak influentially by changing the examples and facts I use to best persuade the listeners
    Did you use the facts and examples from the cards to help persuade the other people in your group?

  • Knowledge

    I know that animals can be genetically modified, like the grey wolf.
    What is one example of a reason for and against genetic modification?

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