Web Quest: Human Genetic Disorders

1. Web Quest:Human Genetic Disorders Rita Putnam’s 10th Grade Honors Biology Class

2. Introduction So far, we have spent a lot of time learning about how DNA works, and how it works so well to make us able to function in so many ways. But what happens when things go wrong?

3. Task In this activity, you will be using the internet to research a human genetic disorder. The goal is to understand the disorder well enough to present it to your classmates, and participate in a panel discussion. This means you should not limit yourself to the basic questions presented here, but should anticipate your classmates’ questions, and try to find the answers ahead of time.

4. Process Step 1: Selecting a genetic disorder (about 30 minutes) Go to the website below, and scroll down to the table with an alphabetical listing of some human disorders that have at least some genetic component. Spend some time exploring them, and choose one that interests you. Keep in mind that some are better understood than others, and those that offer more information are going to be easier to research and present. After you have made your choice, move on to Step 2, on the next page. http://www.genome.gov/10001204

5. Step 2: Research the disorder (about 3 hours) The information provided on the previous website is a good place to start, but there is more to discover. Not only are you looking for more information, but you are looking to validate what you do find through triangulation. • To do this, you must set up a “Fact Sheet” on which to record each “fact” in the left column, and 3 different sources in the right column that contain that same information. • Any information you present must be on your “Fact Sheet” with at least 3 sources that verify it (see “Resources”). • Sources may be used more than once for different facts. (continue)

6. As you prepare your “Fact Sheet,” keep the following basic questions in mind, but don’t limit yourself to them. You may find many more interesting facts! • What is the history of our knowledge of the disorder? Who first described it and when? How was it described and what were the initial observations? • What do we know about the genetic component? What chromosome is it found on? What is the name of the gene? What exactly is the problem with the gene? Is there any genetic test for this disorder? (continued on next page)

7. What characterizes the disorder? What are the physical or mental problems associated with it? At what age do these problems start to develop? Are girls and boys affected equally? • How does this disorder affect the person’s life? What are some challenges they face? • What can a person with the disorder do about it? Are there any treatments? Is there a cure? Is it lethal, and if so, what is the lifespan of individuals with the disorder? • Is there anything else that you found interesting about this disorder? Any images* you want to share? *Images cannot be of genitals, breasts, or cadavers (dead people) (continue)

8. Step 3: Preparation of Presentation (about 2 hours) You must now prepare yourself as an expert, as you will teach your classmates about the genetic disorder you researched. • Your presentation should utilize powerpoint, and follow the same guidelines we have used for previous projects (neat, simple, good spelling and grammar, etc.). • Experts know their subject. You should not rely on note cards or your powerpoint slides during the presentation. Memorize! • There are is no minimum or maximum number of slides, just use good judgment to be thorough, but not exhausting! • Plan for a 10 minute presentation, and 5 minute panel discussion (anticipate what your peers might ask, and know the answer). • Images are a nice touch, but cannot be of genitals, breasts, or cadavers. • If you say/write it, you should understand it. (If someone asks you what you meant, you should be able to explain it.) • Remember that real people struggle with these disorders. Please be sensitive and professional in your presentation.

9. Resources The following websites are reliable, and are good places to start, but should not be used exclusively. Not all of them have information on all disorders (and you will have to search within each site for yours), so you will most likely have to conduct searches on the specific disorder you are researching. Just use the criteria for reliable websites we have discussed previously. http://www.genome.gov/10001204 http://www.ygyh.org/ http://www.mayoclinic.com/ http://www.merck.com/mmhe/index.html http://www.webmd.com/default.htm

10. Evaluation This project will be worth one unit test grade (100 points total) • “Fact Sheet”: • Thoroughness of information—30 points • At least 3 sources per fact—20 points • Presentation: • Quality of slides—10 points • Quality of oral presentation—20 points • Appropriate length of time—10 points • Ability to answer panel questions—10 points

11. Conclusion Upon completion of this WebQuest, you have successfully • Developed your ability to locate and triangulate information on the internet • Increased your awareness and understanding of at least one human genetic disorder • Improved your presentation skills • Experienced the role of “expert,” who is able to anticipate and answer questions beyond the minimum