Genetic Disorders
Students present their research on the characteristics of genetic disorders including symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Overview
Students research a genetic disorder of their choice and present its symptoms, causes, and treatments. The lesson opens with a discussion, a video, and trait bingo. Students then work through Khan Academy's section on genetic mutations, choose a disorder, share two facts with a partner, and begin research while completing science games on genes and mutations. Each student builds a Prezi or Google Slides presentation and a two- to three-minute video, using Open Tutor to monitor understanding. After sharing their work over two days, students complete a self-review, a peer review, and a rubric. The plan spans eight days of instruction.
Lesson Objectives
- Students present their research on the characteristics of genetic disorders including symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Standards
NGSS · 2
- HS-LS1-1Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins that carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
- HS-LS3-2Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.
CCSS ELA · 2
- RST.6-8.7Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).
- RST.6-8.8Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text.