Bronx Academy of Health Careers

S. Mathew

Web Quest on Genetics

The Baby Cha-Cha

 

 

Introduction:

 

You will one day create new life.  You will unconditionally love your baby.  But what if your baby is born with a genetic disorder?  You might have been a carrier for a genetic disease and passed it onto your baby without knowing.  What would you do?  How would you react?

 

 

Task:

               You are going to work together with three of your classmates. Your team will choose a genetic disorder and produce a three-page report that will provide an overview of the disease, its causes, its signs and symptoms and how likely your baby is to be born with the disease.  Your team will present to the class.    
 
 
Process: 

1.  Form groups of four students. Choose a team leader, recorder of information, research specialist and timekeeper to monitor others.

2.  Using the websites below, research the genetic disorder.   

3.  Your report will follow the format of the Science Public Policy Analyst developed at Syracuse University.  It will guide you step by step through the various components of the report.  Read all directions carefully and then fill out worksheets for each step.

a.  Use worksheet #1 to define and describe the disease.

b.  Use worksheet #2 to gather evidence of the disease.

c.  Use worksheet #3 to determine the causes of the disease.  Is the disease caused only
                                 by genetic factors or are there environmental factors that affect its
                                 expression?

d.  Use worksheet #4 to describe and evaluate the existing policy for this disease.  How
                                     is your baby likely to be treated currently if born with the
                                     disease?  Get together as a team again and discuss findings.

e.  As a team use worksheet #5 to develop solutions/policies for the problems of this
                                                 existing policy.

f.  Individually and then as a team, use worksheet #6 to select the best policy for this
                                                             problem.  How likely is it that a cure will be
                                                             found?

 

4.  Use the worksheets to help you compose a three-page study on the genetic disorder you have chosen.  In addition to the information you have gathered, include answers to the following questions:

a. What would the everyday life of your baby be like if born with the disease?

b.  What are some organizations that can help you cope with your baby's specific disease?  If at all possible, include web links.

5.  Prepare an oral presentation based on your team’s three-page study.  Do this by making an outline of the most important points in the study.  You will make an oral presentation to your class and must be prepared to answer questions on your topic.

 

Resources:

Use the following websites to help you in your research.  You may return to this website at anytime by clicking on the Back button.  Always remember that not all of the information on the Internet is factual.  Check your sources.                            

Remember the search engines Google, AltaVista, and Lycos. 

Genetic and Rare Conditions Site:
http://www.kumc.edu/gec/support/

Genetic Information and Patient Services:
http://www.icomm.ca/geneinfo/

Ask NOAH about Genetic Disorders:
http://www.noah-health.org/english/illness/genetic_diseases/geneticdis.html

 

Evaluation: Your oral presentation will be graded according to the following
                                      rubric:

CATEGORY

4 =A

3 =B

2 =C

1 =F

Content (25%)

Shows a full understanding of the topic.

Shows a good understanding of the topic.

Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic.

Does not seem to understand the topic very well.

Comprehension

 

        (25%)

 

Student is able to accurately answer almost all questions posed by classmates about the topic.

Student is able to accurately answer most questions posed by classmates about the topic.

Student is able to accurately answer a few questions posed by classmates about the topic.

Student is unable to accurately answer questions posed by classmates about the topic.

Enthusiasm

 

        (15%)

Facial expressions and body language generate a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others.

Facial expressions and body language sometimes generate a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others.

Facial expressions and body language are used to try to generate enthusiasm, but seem somewhat faked.

Very little use of facial expressions or body language. Did not generate much interest in topic being presented.

Props

 

        (15%)

Student uses several props (could include costume) that show considerable work/creativity and which make the presentation better.

Student uses 1 prop that shows considerable work/creativity and which make the presentation better.

Student uses 1 prop which makes the presentation better.

The student uses no props OR the props chosen detract from the presentation.

Preparedness

 

       (20%)

Student is completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed.

Student seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals.

The student is somewhat prepared, but it is clear that rehearsal was lacking.

Student does not seem at all prepared to present.

 

New York State Standards SPerformance Standards: 

This WebQuest focuses on the following Performance Standards:

Science Standards

S5 Scientific Thinking

S5c: Uses evidence from reliable sources to develop descriptions, explanations, and models; and makes appropriate adjustments and improvements.

S5d: Proposes, recognizes, analyzes, considers, and critiques alternative explanations; and distinguishes between fact and opinion.

S5e: Identifies problems; proposes and implements solutions; and evaluates the accuracy, design, and outcomes of investigations.

S5f: Works individually and in teams to collect and share information and data.

      S6 Scientific Tools and Technologies

S6d: Acquires information from multiple sources.

      S7 Scientific Communication

S7a: Represents data and results in multiple ways.

S7b: Argues from evidence.

S7e: Communications in a form suited to the purpose and the audience.

This WebQuest also focuses on the following English Language Arts        

ELA Performance Standards:

E1c: Read and comprehend informational materials.

E2a:  Produce a report of information.

E3c:  Prepare and deliver an individual presentation.

E4b:  Analyze and subsequently revise work to improve its clarity and effectiveness.

 

Conclusion:                                                                           

Hopefully your baby will never be affected with the genetic disorder you researched.  But you now have a better idea of what to do just in case the worst-case scenario happens. 

By completing the tasks of this project, you know so much more about the genetic disorder you chose.  You can speak knowledgeably about it and can explain its causes.  You have analyzed treatments currently in place to treat the disorder, and you are the ready for the day a cure will arrive.