This document outlines an academic interaction session. It divides students into groups and assigns each group an article on genomic sequencing to read, discuss, and present on. The agenda includes conversation starters on various topics, watching an Amy McGuire TED talk on genomic sequencing, and preparing for a group presentation on their assigned article. Students are asked to volunteer for practice presentations and complete homework including meeting with a learning community partner and posting a conversation starter response.

1. Academic Interactions
Spring 2016, IECP, Nikki Mattson

2. Groups
 Faisal A., Hamad, Hang
 Abdulla, Mashari, Juman, Fang
 Hassan, Faris, Tram, Xin
 Malek, Bashayr, Eunyeong, Faisal Z.

3. Agenda
 Conversation Starters
 Genomic Sequencing Video + Discussion
 Genomic Sequencing group presentation preparation

4. Conversation Starters A
 Insects play a big role in our ecosystem. But
sometimes they could create problems like
destroying all the crops. That’s why a lot of
people are trying to eliminate insects like
grasshoppers. What is your opinion about
eliminating insects? Are there any insects,
particular, that you would like to eliminate?
 (Juman – biology)

5. Conversation Starters A
 Engineering students have to conduct experiments while
they are sophomores in mechanical engineering. Many
students are attracted by the department of mechanical
engineering due to the fascinating experiments that they
can experience as engineering students in workshops that
are held by the department. However, students have to put
on masks during some experiments due to the chemical
hazards. The scent could be harmful for student’s lungs.
Does your department in university conduct experiments
that resemble those undertaken in my department?

(Faris Almalki - a teaching assistant, mechanical engineering
department)

6. Conversation Starters A
 Imitation is an impressive mode of learning commonly
used by children. By watching and imitating others,
young children learn how to behave (socially and
emotionally). So what do children learn by imitating their
parents? Can you think of any funny/interesting
examples from your own experience?
 (Tram Nguyen - Education)

7. Conversation Starters B
 Scientists have developed many robots that are
capable of completing tasks that resembling human
activity. Nowadays, robots have taken the places of
many people at work places, which is causing more
unemployment as robots become cheaper and
cheaper. What types of tasks do you think we should
and shouldn’t use robots for?
(Mohammed Alsadiq, EE)

8. Conversation Starters B
 In our world we have a lot of insects. Some of them do
not cause any danger to people, but some of them do,
such as the Anisoptera. This insect can hurt us by putting
her egg’s poison in our food or water, and those eggs
can kill a person within 60 seconds of when he/she eats
the poison. What other insects are dangerous? How are
such insects managed?
 (Hameed Alsharari, Vet)

9. Conversation Starters B
 The law field is a fascinating place to work in. Working
with different people and different cases provides a lot
of variety and challenges. I have found myself deep in
love with the law environment, which is fascinating to
me. However, not all people work in a job that they love.
Do you think it is more important to work in a job that
you love, or job a that provides a high salary?
 (Riyan Almogbel, Law)

10. Volunteers for Practice 2-minute
presentations on Friday?

11. Review: Pathways 3

12. TEDMED: Amy Mcguire Talk – possible
consequences of genomic sequencing
 http://www.tedmed.com/talks/show?id=309672

13. Group Discussion
 1. If you could take a test to predict your future medical conditions, would
you? Why/why not?
 2. What advantages does the speaker see to genome sequencing?
 3. What disadvantages does the speaker see to genome sequencing?
 4. What reactions do you have to what you saw?

14. Tasks – Presenting an Article Summary
and Reaction
 1) Read and Listen to the article provided to your group. Audio files in BOX.
Rooms 303 and 305 reserved so groups can disperse.
 2) Discuss and review the article’s content with your group.
 3) Complete the outline with your group.
 4) Prepare for your speech.
Next Time
 4) While the other groups are presenting, take notes.
 5) With your group, prepare a written statement describing what you see as
the main advantages and disadvantages of genomic sequencing, as well
as your overall thoughts on the topic.

15. Assigned Articles (Audio Files in Box)
 Faisal A., Hamad, Hang (The real, scary, and…)
 Abdulla, Mashari, Juman, Fang (Personal Genome Testing)
 Hassan, Faris, Tram, Xin (23 and me is Terrifying…)
 Malek, Bashayr, Eunyeong, Faisal Z. (New Gene Therapy…)

16. HW
 Be ready for group presentation next class
 English Central Goal 4 Due Sunday at 7
 Meet with your LC Partner this week (Video and Reflection due in Box by
Sunday at midnight)
 Post Conversation Starter for pg. 44 words by midnight tonight