Genetic Testing For Birth Defects

Michael Riley, Bay Ridge Prep

MRiley@BayridgePrep.Org

Introduction

Genetic testing is done during pregnancy to look for possible problems with the fetus. Birth defects develop when something is wrong with genes, chromosomes, an organ, or body chemistry. A birth defect may have only a mild impact on the child’s life or can have a major effect on quality of life or life span.

Birth defects include:

· Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome and Trisomy 18.

· Diseases passed in a family, such as Tay-Sachs, Sickle Cell Anemia, and Cystic Fibrosis.

· Structural problems, such as heart defects and neural tube defects, including Spina Bifida.

Task

Working in groups of five, students will research the issues that involve screening test and early detection methods. Each group should provide a 2-3 page term paper explaining what the benefits and disadvantages of early diagnosis are. Resource links are provided below; however you may use independent sources as well. Groups should also provide a brief presentation discussing both pros and cons of genetic testing.

Process/Resources

Your teacher will select and divide you into groups of five.

Each group should organize themselves into assigned roles as follows:

· Group Leader: This person will organize and coordinate the group’s effort.

· Recorder: Writes and records all the research materials for the group in a presentation format.

· Researchers: These two students will search and present data to the group as needed. They will provide resources from the internet, text, etc.

· Presenter: This student will describe the groups’ findings to the class. The presenter should choose how they want to display the presentation, (Poster board, power point, etc.)

Each group should follow the process of the Public Policy Analyst, (PPA). The steps are listed below to help guide you:

· Identifying The Problem Worksheet 1

· Gathering Evidence Worksheet 2

· Identifying The Cause Of The Problem Worksheet 3

· Evaluate The Existing Policy Worksheet 4

· Develop A Solution Worksheet 5

· Select The Best Solution Worksheet 6

Here are some helpful websites to get you started:

· Medical Miracle Or Moral Outrage?

· Types Of Birth Defects And Genetic Screening

· Common Testing During Pregnancy

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated as follows:

	4	3	2	1	Score
Use Of The PPA Policy	All steps were followed. Showed a clear understanding of policy.	All steps were followed. Showed a slight understanding of policy.	Some steps were followed. Showed a slight understanding of policy.	No steps were followed and or no understanding of policy
Oral Presentation	Research is clear and articulated. Speaker is clearly knowledgeable.	Research is explained well. Speaker is clearly knowledgeable.	Research is explained. Speaker seems to understand the information.	Research is poorly demonstrated. Speaker does not understand information.
Teamwork Assessment	It is evident that a mutual effort and cohesive unit created the final product.	The team worked well together, but could have utilized each other's skills better.	The team had problems working together. Little collaboration occurred.	The final product is not the result of a collaborative effort.
Written Assignment	The essay displayed detailed knowledge of the topic. Included compelling arguments for and against the subject assigned.	The essay displayed knowledge of the topic. Included compelling arguments for and against the subject assigned.	Included a good argument for and against the subject assigned.	Paper did not relay the author was knowledgeable of the subject. Presented a poor argument over all.

Conclusion

Upon completing this assignment, each student will have gotten a closer look into a nationally social issue. Students will have learned to incorporate the PPA format towards projects and issues alike. Moreover, the groups will have practiced their demonstration and examining skills by producing an engaging and persuasive presentation. By exploring the problem and developing equally feasible and effective solutions students learn awareness of existing issues and how to work towards resolving them.

Standards:

New York State English Language Arts Standard 1: Language for Information and Understanding.

New York State English Language Arts Standard 4: Language for Social Interaction and Understanding.

New York State Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design

New York State Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Standard 2: Information Systems

New York State Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Standard 5: Technology