Unit Plan
This curriculum unit is designed to be used in an alternative public school setting for pregnant teens. It has been planned for general science special education classes. The program includes grades seven through twelve, with students ranging in age from thirteen to nineteen. The students are identified as needing special education, for a variety of reasons. Ability levels cover a wide range. Most students in these classes, however, have limited reading and writing skills. Some students exhibit behaviors which are best addressed in small groups within a highly structured setting. The curriculum unit is planned for students who have little background in genetics or human reproduction. It would also be suitable for use in parenting classes or as a unit in a general biology class or human physiology class in regular education. Individual sections of the unit may be used in isolation based on interest and need.
Goal
Students will gain information and develop a better understanding of genetics as it relates to human development, birth defects, and pregnancy. This will be accomplished through the use of selected videos, reading materials, small group discussions and various experiential, hands-on learning activities.
Rational
Statistics show that teen pregnancy in the United States continues to increase. This is of particular concern because teen mothers and their babies face increased risks to their health. They need to be informed and educated about pregnancy and related issues. Approximately one million teenagers become pregnant each year, and more than 530,000 give birth. Pregnant teens are the least likely of all maternal age groups to get early and regular prenatal care. A teenage mother is more at risk of pregnancy complications such as premature labor, anemia and high blood pressure. Three million teens are affected by sexually transmitted diseases annually. These include chlamydia, syphilis (which can cause blindness and death to an infant) and AIDS, which is fatal to the mother and can infect the infant. A baby born to a teenage mother is more at risk than one born to an older mother. Nine percent of teenage girls have low-birthweight babies compared to seven percent of all mothers nationally. These babies may have organs that are not fully developed, which can lead to lung problems or bleeding in the brain. Low-birthweight babies are forty times more likely to die in their first month of life than normal-weight babies. Teens need to be informed and educated. They need to understand the risks involved in negative behaviors. Often they have poor eating habits, may smoke, drink alcohol and take drugs. These behaviors greatly increase the risk that their babies will be born with health problems.
Modern genetics is a relatively new field; unfamiliar to many teens. In the past few decades, knowledge has grown in the field of human genetics and there are new discoveries being made daily. Many medical problems can now be treated or prevented in babies, including various errors of body chemistry. Genes involved in causing high blood cholesterol, muscular dystrophies and cystic fibrosis have been found and are being studied. Identifying these genes is the first step toward developing specific treatment, such as gene therapy. Teens need to be informed and educated about these advances.
