Introduction
Adopt a Disorder
DNA is constantly being accessed and copied. Although cells have a way to protect DNA against changes, these error-checking systems are not perfect. There are many ways for a mutation to occur. Some of these mutations are silent and do cause a visible phenotype. Other mutations do cause a visible change in the phenotype and can result in a genetic disorder.
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Task
Your Task
Because there are so many genetic disorders, scientists often choose one to focus on. Your task is to adopt a disorder and present your findings to the class.
You will have 10 minutes to teach the class about your chosen disorder and the current therapies used to treat it. It does not matter how you present your findings. Be creative!
By the end of your presentation, your classmates should be able to answer a short quiz based on the information you provide.
Process
Your Assignment
1. Choose a genetic disorder. Some examples can be found in your textbook and on the following websites.
Genome. gov: www.genome.gov/10001204
Discovery.com: http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-most-serious-hereditary-conditions.htm
Claim your chosen disorder by writing your name and disorder on the list in the front of the room. Duplicates will not be allowed.
2. Construct a basic fact sheet for your chosen disorder. Make sure to include the following:
Gene(s) for the disorder
Chromosome(s) on which the gene(s) are found
Risk Factors
Symptoms
Treatments
A good place to start looking for information in the Genetics Home Reference (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/).
3. Research any potential therapies or treatments being studied. Many disorders have webpages and groups that will contain information about the future of the disorder.
4. Imagine you or someone you know has this disorder. Creatively find a way to express your feelings. For example, write a poem, create a scrapbook page, or act out a skit to show people how this disorder affects your life.
5. Prepare a 10 minute presentation to educate your fellow classmates on your chosen disorder.
6. Submit two questions for a quiz or test that you think your classmates would be able to answer after listening to your presentation.
Have Fun!
Evaluation
Rubric
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Construct a Fact Sheet | Identified 2 items on the list | Identified 3 items on the list | Identified 4 items on the list | Identified all 5 items on the list |
| Research Potential Therapies and Treatments | Found a link to an organization | Listed current treatments | Explained current treatments and therapies | Discussed current research into cures for the disorder |
| Creative Expression | Portrayal restates facts of the disorder | Portrayal demonstrates some understanding of the implications of the disorder but remains fact-based | Portrayal demonstrates reflection about the complications of having the disorder but is missing creativity | Portrayal creatively demonstrates reflection about implications and the complications of having the disorder |
| Presentation | Presentation does not demonstrate any understanding of the disorder. Presentation is not within the time allotment. | Presentation is neat and demonstrates some understanding of the disorder. Presentation is not within the time allotment. | Presentation is neat, creative, and demonstrates understanding. Presentation exceeds the time allotment. | Presentation is neat, creative, and demonstrates understanding. Presentation remains within the time allotment. |
| Questions | Questions do not relate to the presentation | Basic questions that do not require any thought in order to answer | Questions attempt to include thought in order to answer | Questions require thought and understanding in order to answer |
| Work Ethic | Student did not attempt the tasks unless under direct supervision | Student mostly met expectations and required some help in completing the tasks | Student met expectations and required little help in completing the tasks | Student exceed expectations and required little help in completing the tasks |
Half-points will be awarded if student demonstrates partial completion of an indicator.
Conclusion
It Takes a Community
Genetic disorders are complex. It takes a community of people to help find better treatments and possible cures. Patients must live with their disorder. Doctors help provide patients with treatments and therapies. Support groups and organizations help spread information. Researchers attempt to understand the underlying causes of the disorder and find new ways to treat or even cure it. Genetic counselors help people determine their risk. Although having a genetic disorder can complicate life, the patient never has to be alone.
