University of Chicago - Graham School of General Studies - 1998 WWW for Teachers Seminar Module

AIM

To apply concepts of inheritance in identifying common genetic abnormalities, using information and activities found by using the world wide web.


RATIONALE

Genetic information found in text books is not current. However, information found using the www  is up-to-date at sites such as The Human Genome Project. This module will supplement text-based information on heredity as well as enhance the scientific and computer literacy of students. The mandated state science standards are addressed.


OBJECTIVES
Students will:

• be able to identify dominant and recessive inherited traits
• define common genetic diseases and compare,
• recognize specific symptoms associated with genetic diseases,
• identify genes linked with specific inherited diseases,
• utilize related links on the World Wide Web to gather information,
• communicate in collaborative groups to problem solve genetic cases,
• meet State Science Goal 12 by researching genetic diseases,
• meet State Science Goal 13 by using technology in the process of scientific inquiry,
• meet State English Language Arts Goal 3 by writing to communicate for a variety of purposes

1. Preactivity which will involve forming collaborative groups which will become fictitious genetic companies.  Each company will determine their individual ethical policies.
2. Using specific sites students will complete the "preliminary application" activity, which involves passing a quiz on Mendel's Laws
3. The "practicum" activity will involve matching certain symptoms with eight genetic diseases.
4. "Research update" requires web searching to determine current chromosomal data on each of the specified diseases.
5. The culminating project consists of resolving the genetic cases.

This module is targeted for regular and honors high school biology students, as well as gifted middle school students. Students should be familiar with Mendel"s Laws of Inheritance.  At risk students would require additional vocabulary support, web tutorials, practice using genetic laws, and increased completion time.  Gifted students will explore higher level web sites as identified in the index to formulate their own case studies.

PREREQUISITE
Students should be able to:

• have a working knowledge of Mendel's Laws of Inheritance.
• use Punnett squares to show the predicted results of monohybrid crosses.
• understand sex-linked inheritance.
• identify the genetics of blood types

There are five activities in this unit.  The goal of this module is to complete the four certification activities  in order to receive the genetic counseling certification.  All of these activities are sequential and must be completed in the order designated. The ultimate goal of the module is for each company to analyze genetic cases successfully.

Estimation of time:

• Approximately one class period per activity.  This will involve 4-5 days to complete the certification activities.
• Culminating genetic cases will take  1-2days.

• Activity 1 - Preactivity:  The purpose of this activity is to assist students to form their groups (companies) as well as  initiate thinking about bioethical issues which occur in a genetic counseling companies.  Students will produce a flyer which  contains: a creative genetic counseling company name, an attractive logo for the company,  names and background of the members, and their company policies.
• Activity 2 - Preliminary Application:  The purpose of this activity is to review key genetic terms  and concepts which will be important in completing the module.  Students will  have the opportunity to review at specific web sites which include practice lessons.  This will allow teachers to determine the level of student compentency in this area.  The activity is an on-line Java quiz.  No paper is involved.  If students do not pass the first test, there is an opportunity to review and retake another test.  Students must complete this activity successfully before continuing on to Activity 3 and 4.
• Activity 3 - Practicum: Groups will search specific disease sites and compile  symptoms for the eight genetic diseases which will be involved in the case studies.  Students will complete a chart and a written description of the impact of each disease on the affected individual. Forms are  included for this activity.
• Activity 4 - Research update: Students will search specific sites to obtain the most current information concerning the specific chromosomes,  coding problem or problems, testing procedures and any other research which is in progress.  Each company will be assigned one disease to study and report their findings to the class at large.  Research should also include the prognosis  and possible treatment  or environmental  lifestyle changes which could  affect the quality of life with this condition.
• Activity 5: Culminating project: Groups will complete 4 case studies which include: one recessive, one dominant, one sex linked, and one delayed onset genetic disease.   A written report will include: information and support for the families, interpret information about the disease, analyze inheritance patterns, and risks of recurrence and review available options of  the family or individual involved.   A written report will be provided.
• Options:  The teacher may elect to allow students to orally report and debate the solutions to the various cases. Another option could be a video taping in which students dramatize  the specific cases.