What is a Genetic Disorder?
Simply put, a genetic disorder is a disease that is caused by an abnormality in an individual's DNA. Abnormalities can range from a small mutation in a single gene to the addition or subtraction of an entire chromosome or set of chromosomes.
LESSON OVERVIEW (SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS: D1.2, D2.1, D3.2)
Diagnostic:
In order for students to truely understand genetic disorders and focus on the social, economic and familial impact they could potential have, it is imperative that students have a firm grasp of mitosis and meiosis as well as understand patterns of inheritance. A quiz, the creation of a mindmap using software such as Popplet, or the use of an online questioning tool such as Poll Everywhere can all be quick ways of performing a diagnostic check for understanding. However, if you are looking for something that has the ability to target higher level thinking, using Molecular Selves can be a great option.
Molecular Selves is a 3D animation series created by the National Human Genome Institute, that takes students "inside for a close up look at their Molecular Selves." Students can independently or in groups explore each animation and then either write a summary of their understanding or fill in a basic teacher created worksheet depending on their learning level.
Pedagogy:
Starting a class discussion on genetics and genetic disorders can pave the way for an organic discussion of the role of genes as protein encoders which can then be connected to the concept of mutations within a gene that may or may not effect protein function. Following up with the use of a computer simulation is a great way to not only differentiate your lesson but also to introduce an interactive way that students can play and understand the various types of mutations and their outcome on protein synthesis. MOLO-Molecular Logic is a wonderful website created by The Concord Consortium that is devoted to its goal of improving "the ability of all students to understand fundamental biological phenomena". Click below for a fantastic simulation that allows students to explore the various types of genetic mutations. It contains follow up questions and the ability to make a snapshot of each mutated gene, its corresponding mRNA and protein created that either students may use for a future summative evaluation or teachers may use for a formative assessment.
Simply put, a genetic disorder is a disease that is caused by an abnormality in an individual's DNA. Abnormalities can range from a small mutation in a single gene to the addition or subtraction of an entire chromosome or set of chromosomes.
LESSON OVERVIEW (SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS: D1.2, D2.1, D3.2)
Diagnostic:
In order for students to truely understand genetic disorders and focus on the social, economic and familial impact they could potential have, it is imperative that students have a firm grasp of mitosis and meiosis as well as understand patterns of inheritance. A quiz, the creation of a mindmap using software such as Popplet, or the use of an online questioning tool such as Poll Everywhere can all be quick ways of performing a diagnostic check for understanding. However, if you are looking for something that has the ability to target higher level thinking, using Molecular Selves can be a great option.
Molecular Selves is a 3D animation series created by the National Human Genome Institute, that takes students "inside for a close up look at their Molecular Selves." Students can independently or in groups explore each animation and then either write a summary of their understanding or fill in a basic teacher created worksheet depending on their learning level.
Pedagogy:
Starting a class discussion on genetics and genetic disorders can pave the way for an organic discussion of the role of genes as protein encoders which can then be connected to the concept of mutations within a gene that may or may not effect protein function. Following up with the use of a computer simulation is a great way to not only differentiate your lesson but also to introduce an interactive way that students can play and understand the various types of mutations and their outcome on protein synthesis. MOLO-Molecular Logic is a wonderful website created by The Concord Consortium that is devoted to its goal of improving "the ability of all students to understand fundamental biological phenomena". Click below for a fantastic simulation that allows students to explore the various types of genetic mutations. It contains follow up questions and the ability to make a snapshot of each mutated gene, its corresponding mRNA and protein created that either students may use for a future summative evaluation or teachers may use for a formative assessment.
tmp_1.jnlp | |
File Size: | 0 kb |
File Type: | jnlp |
Misconceptions Addressed:
a. Students often think that every person is unique because they all have different genes
b. Students may interpret disease gene discovery to mean that only those who have the disease have that gene
c. Students often think that any change or mutation will result in a genetic disorder
Debrief:
In order to consolidate the role of genes in protein synthesis and the effect of a genetic mutation, the following video courtesy of YouTube can be shown. It not only reinforces the role of genes and the effect of mutations but also showcases current advances in Autism research through the use of genetics. It is a great way to expose students to lab techniques, careers in the field of genetics as well as current advances in medicine that are relevant to genetics and genetic disorders.
a. Students often think that every person is unique because they all have different genes
b. Students may interpret disease gene discovery to mean that only those who have the disease have that gene
c. Students often think that any change or mutation will result in a genetic disorder
Debrief:
In order to consolidate the role of genes in protein synthesis and the effect of a genetic mutation, the following video courtesy of YouTube can be shown. It not only reinforces the role of genes and the effect of mutations but also showcases current advances in Autism research through the use of genetics. It is a great way to expose students to lab techniques, careers in the field of genetics as well as current advances in medicine that are relevant to genetics and genetic disorders.
Misconceptions Addressed:
d. Students often think that it is only one gene or one mutation along a strand of DNA that causes a genetic disorder
FOPP: Commitment to students and student learning, professional knowledge, professional practice, and ongoing professional learning
d. Students often think that it is only one gene or one mutation along a strand of DNA that causes a genetic disorder
FOPP: Commitment to students and student learning, professional knowledge, professional practice, and ongoing professional learning