Genetic Mutations Real-World Case Study | Life Science | Grades 6–8

This Real-World Case Study asks grades 6–8 Middle School Life Science students to weigh a real decision about Genetic Mutations and defend a solution with evidence.

Scenario: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multi-drug-resistant bacteria cause over 35,000 deaths each year in the United States when routine infections no longer respond to standard antibiotics. Antibiotics work by targeting essential bacterial proteins—such as the enzymes that build bacterial cell walls or… Key question: "Should the state pass the One Health Antibiotic Stewardship Act banning routine feed antibiotics? Support your position with evidence on mutation and population survival."

What's inside: the scenario, 5 questions to consider, an answer key, arguments for and against for the teacher, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Case Study (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word handout with approximately 900 words (~6 pages).

Classroom use: independent response, small-group comparison, and a whole-class debate in a Middle School Life Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.