Sheila M. Martin-Corbin
Students will respond to pre-assessment questions on the Immune System to assess their prior knowledge of the subject matter and to clarify any misconceptions.
Students will conduct a lab activity, using baking soda solution and red cabbage juice to simulate the spread of disease from one person to another.
Students will work in small groups and conduct research on assigned infectious diseases. Each group will be assigned 3-5 similar infectious diseases. Students will be given class time to research the diseases as a team based on a set of criteria, including cause and symptoms of the disease as related to body temperature, pain, weight fluctuations and/or other noticeable changes in behavior. After the research work is completed, the teacher will review and discuss the research notes with each group. Students will be nominated by the teacher to play the role of specialist for the disease and students to act as patients having the infectious disease. With help from group members the patients nominated by the teacher will compose a story about their condition prior to the doctor's visit. These stories will be reviewed by the teacher who will then prepare an analysis sheet with evidence for the class at the end of the doctor's visit. Each specialist will be provided with a copy of each patient's chart for taking notes during his or her visit. The specialist may refer to his or her research notes as a guide for asking pertinent questions of the patient and to diagnose the disease. This activity will culminate with a dialogue of the diagnosis session of the disease for a better understanding of disease transmission and to debate whether or not the diagnosis is correct based on the clues and information shared by the patients.
Students will create an informational pamphlet or a power point presentation on a health related issue or topic as a way to educate others about the spread of infectious diseases and methods of prevention. The case study of Ryan White's struggle against HIV/AIDS and his decision to become proactive and educate others about this deadly disease will also be discussed.
Students will be able to explain the importance of taking the responsibility for health behaviors and weigh the consequences of individual choices and decisions in saving lives.