Genetic Disease Awareness Campaign: Biology

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Genetic Disease Awareness Campaign: Biology

Grade 12Biology20 days

In this project, students take on the roles of genetic counselors and public health advocates to design an awareness campaign about a specific genetic disease. They research the genetic basis, inheritance patterns, and ethical considerations surrounding the disease to educate the public and empower informed decisions about genetic testing and family planning. Students create communication materials, including posters, brochures, social media content, and website content, and present their campaign to the class. The project culminates in a comprehensive presentation and evaluation of the campaign's potential impact.

Genetic DiseasesInheritance PatternsEthical ConsiderationsPublic Health EducationGenetic TestingMolecular MechanismsAwareness Campaign

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as genetic counselors and public health advocates, design an awareness campaign to educate the public about the genetic basis, inheritance patterns, and ethical considerations surrounding a specific genetic disease, empowering them to make informed decisions about genetic testing and family planning?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How do mutations in DNA lead to genetic disorders?
What are the different modes of inheritance for genetic diseases?
How can genetic testing and counseling inform individuals and families about their risk of genetic diseases?
What are the ethical considerations surrounding genetic screening and interventions?
How can we effectively communicate complex scientific information to the public?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Understand the molecular basis of genetic diseases.
Analyze inheritance patterns of genetic disorders.
Evaluate the ethical considerations of genetic testing and screening.
Develop effective communication strategies for public health education.
Apply knowledge of genetics to create an awareness campaign.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Genetic Mystery: The Case Unfolds

Students receive a mysterious package containing clues related to a specific genetic disease. These clues could include medical reports, family trees, DNA sequences, and personal stories. As they analyze the clues, they begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding the disease.

Viral Challenge: Design a Campaign

Students are challenged to design a social media campaign to raise awareness about a fictitious, newly discovered genetic disease. This activity encourages them to think creatively about how to communicate complex scientific information to a broad audience and sparks interest in learning about real genetic diseases.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Decoding the Disease: Molecular Mechanisms

Students will research the specific genetic mutation or mutations responsible for their chosen disease. They will create a detailed report explaining the molecular mechanisms by which these mutations lead to the disease phenotype.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Choose a specific genetic disease to focus on for the project.

2. Research the gene(s) associated with the chosen disease.

3. Identify the specific mutation(s) that cause the disease phenotype.

4. Describe the normal function of the gene and protein.

5. Explain how the mutation disrupts the gene/protein function and leads to the disease.

6. Write a detailed report summarizing the findings, including diagrams and illustrations where appropriate.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive report that includes a description of the normal gene function, the specific mutation(s), and the resulting disruption of cellular processes.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSBI4U - Ontario Curriculum - Learning Goal: Understand the molecular basis of genetic diseases.

Activity 2

Tracing the Genes: Pedigree Analysis

Students will construct a detailed pedigree analysis for their chosen genetic disease. This involves tracing the disease through multiple generations of a family to determine the mode of inheritance (autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, etc.).

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Collect information on family history related to the chosen disease (real or hypothetical).

2. Construct a pedigree chart using standard symbols to represent family members and their affected status.

3. Analyze the pedigree to determine the most likely mode of inheritance.

4. Calculate the probability of inheritance for future generations based on the identified inheritance pattern.

5. Write a detailed analysis explaining the reasoning behind the identified inheritance pattern and the probability calculations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multi-generational pedigree chart accompanied by a written analysis explaining the inheritance pattern of the disease and the probability of inheritance for future generations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSBI4U - Ontario Curriculum - Learning Goal: Analyze inheritance patterns of genetic disorders.

Activity 3

Genetic Disease Awareness Campaign: Presentation & Impact

Students will synthesize all of their research and communication materials into a cohesive public awareness campaign. They will present their campaign to the class, explaining their rationale for the chosen strategies and materials, and evaluating the potential impact of their campaign on public knowledge and attitudes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Review all of the previously created materials (report, pedigree analysis, ethical considerations, communication materials).

2. Develop a cohesive campaign strategy that integrates all of the materials.

3. Prepare a presentation that explains the rationale for the chosen strategies and materials.

4. Demonstrate the communication materials (poster, brochure, social media posts, website content).

5. Evaluate the potential impact of the campaign on public knowledge and attitudes.

6. Present the campaign to the class and answer questions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive public awareness campaign presentation that includes a rationale for the chosen strategies and materials, a demonstration of the communication materials, and an evaluation of the potential impact of the campaign.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSBI4U - Ontario Curriculum - Learning Goal: Apply knowledge of genetics to create an awareness campaign.

Activity 4

Campaign Central: Public Health Communication

Students will develop a series of communication materials designed to educate the public about their chosen genetic disease. This includes designing posters, brochures, social media posts, and website content that is accurate, engaging, and accessible to a non-scientific audience.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research effective communication strategies for public health education.

2. Identify the key information about the chosen disease that needs to be communicated to the public.

3. Design a poster that is visually appealing and informative.

4. Create a brochure that provides detailed information about the disease, inheritance, testing, and ethical considerations.

5. Develop a series of social media posts that are engaging and shareable.

6. Create website content that provides comprehensive information about the disease in an accessible format.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA portfolio of communication materials including a poster, brochure, social media posts, and website content designed to raise public awareness about the chosen genetic disease.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSBI4U - Ontario Curriculum - Learning Goal: Develop effective communication strategies for public health education.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Genetic Disease Awareness Campaign Rubric

Category 1

Molecular Mechanisms

This category assesses the student's understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the genetic disease.

Criterion 1

Molecular Identification

Accuracy of the identified gene(s) and mutation(s) associated with the chosen genetic disease.

Exemplary

4 Points

Identifies and accurately describes the gene(s) and mutation(s) with precision, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of the disease.

Proficient

3 Points

Identifies and describes the gene(s) and mutation(s) with general accuracy, demonstrating a solid understanding of the molecular basis of the disease.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies the gene(s) and mutation(s) with some inaccuracies or omissions, demonstrating a basic understanding of the molecular basis of the disease.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify the gene(s) and mutation(s) accurately, demonstrating a limited understanding of the molecular basis of the disease.

Criterion 2

Functional Explanation

Clarity and accuracy in describing the normal function of the gene and how the mutation disrupts this function, leading to the disease phenotype.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a clear, detailed, and accurate explanation of the normal gene function and the precise mechanism by which the mutation disrupts this function, connecting it directly to the disease phenotype.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a clear and accurate explanation of the normal gene function and how the mutation disrupts this function, linking it to the disease phenotype.

Developing

2 Points

Provides a basic explanation of the normal gene function and attempts to describe how the mutation disrupts this function, but the explanation may lack detail or clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to explain the normal gene function or how the mutation disrupts this function, resulting in a limited understanding of the disease phenotype.

Criterion 3

Report Quality & Presentation

Overall quality and organization of the report, including the use of diagrams, illustrations, and proper citations.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents a well-organized, visually appealing, and thoroughly researched report that effectively uses diagrams, illustrations, and proper citations to enhance understanding and credibility.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents a well-organized and researched report that includes relevant diagrams, illustrations, and proper citations.

Developing

2 Points

Presents a report that is somewhat organized and includes some diagrams or illustrations, but may lack proper citations or clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents a poorly organized or incomplete report with few or no diagrams, illustrations, or proper citations.

Category 2

Pedigree Analysis

This category assesses the student's ability to analyze inheritance patterns using pedigree charts.

Criterion 1

Pedigree Accuracy

Accuracy and completeness of the pedigree chart, including correct symbols, representation of family members, and indication of affected status.

Exemplary

4 Points

Constructs a flawlessly accurate and complete pedigree chart with precise symbols, clearly representing family members and their affected status across multiple generations.

Proficient

3 Points

Constructs an accurate and complete pedigree chart with correct symbols, representing family members and their affected status.

Developing

2 Points

Constructs a pedigree chart with some inaccuracies or omissions in symbols or representation of family members.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to construct an accurate or complete pedigree chart, with significant errors in symbols or representation of family members.

Criterion 2

Inheritance Identification

Correct identification of the mode of inheritance based on the pedigree analysis.

Exemplary

4 Points

Accurately identifies and justifies the mode of inheritance with a comprehensive explanation of the reasoning behind the conclusion, considering all relevant factors.

Proficient

3 Points

Correctly identifies the mode of inheritance based on the pedigree analysis.

Developing

2 Points

Attempts to identify the mode of inheritance but makes some errors or omissions in the reasoning.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify the mode of inheritance based on the pedigree analysis.

Criterion 3

Probability & Analysis

Accuracy of the probability calculations for future generations and clarity of the written analysis.

Exemplary

4 Points

Calculates inheritance probabilities with impeccable accuracy and provides a crystal-clear, insightful written analysis that thoroughly explains the reasoning and implications.

Proficient

3 Points

Accurately calculates inheritance probabilities for future generations and provides a clear written analysis.

Developing

2 Points

Calculates inheritance probabilities with some inaccuracies or omissions and provides a written analysis that lacks clarity or detail.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to calculate inheritance probabilities or provide a coherent written analysis.

Category 3

Public Health Communication

This category assesses the student's ability to create effective public health communication materials.

Criterion 1

Communication Effectiveness

Effectiveness of the communication materials in conveying key information about the genetic disease to a general audience.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates exceptionally effective communication materials that are visually appealing, informative, and perfectly tailored to engage and educate a general audience, demonstrating a deep understanding of public health communication principles.

Proficient

3 Points

Creates effective communication materials that are visually appealing, informative, and accessible to a general audience.

Developing

2 Points

Creates communication materials that are somewhat informative but may lack visual appeal or accessibility for a general audience.

Beginning

1 Points

Creates communication materials that are ineffective in conveying key information about the genetic disease to a general audience.

Criterion 2

Information Accuracy

Accuracy and clarity of the information presented in the poster, brochure, social media posts, and website content.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents information with impeccable accuracy, clarity, and depth, ensuring that the audience gains a comprehensive understanding of the genetic disease and related issues.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents accurate and clear information in the poster, brochure, social media posts, and website content.

Developing

2 Points

Presents information with some inaccuracies or lack of clarity in the communication materials.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents inaccurate or unclear information in the communication materials.

Criterion 3

Creativity & Originality

Creativity and originality in the design and content of the communication materials.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional creativity and originality in the design and content, resulting in communication materials that are highly engaging, memorable, and impactful.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates creativity and originality in the design and content of the communication materials.

Developing

2 Points

Shows some creativity in the design and content of the communication materials, but the materials may lack originality.

Beginning

1 Points

Demonstrates a lack of creativity in the design and content of the communication materials.

Category 4

Campaign Presentation & Impact

This category assesses the student's ability to synthesize their research into a cohesive public awareness campaign and evaluate its potential impact.

Criterion 1

Presentation Clarity

Clarity and coherence of the presentation, including a clear explanation of the campaign strategy and rationale.

Exemplary

4 Points

Delivers a flawless presentation with exceptional clarity and coherence, providing a compelling and insightful explanation of the campaign strategy and rationale that captivates the audience.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents the campaign with clarity and coherence, explaining the rationale for the chosen strategies and materials.

Developing

2 Points

Presents the campaign with some lack of clarity or coherence, making it difficult to understand the rationale.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents the campaign in a disorganized and unclear manner, failing to explain the rationale for the chosen strategies and materials.

Criterion 2

Material Integration

Demonstration of the communication materials and their integration into a cohesive campaign.

Exemplary

4 Points

Seamlessly integrates and demonstrates the communication materials within a highly cohesive campaign framework, showcasing their synergistic impact on public awareness and education.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates the communication materials and their integration into a cohesive campaign.

Developing

2 Points

Demonstrates the communication materials but struggles to integrate them into a cohesive campaign.

Beginning

1 Points

Fails to demonstrate the communication materials or their integration into a campaign.

Criterion 3

Impact Evaluation

Evaluation of the potential impact of the campaign on public knowledge and attitudes.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive, insightful, and evidence-based evaluation of the campaign's potential impact, demonstrating a deep understanding of public attitudes and behavior change strategies.

Proficient

3 Points

Evaluates the potential impact of the campaign on public knowledge and attitudes.

Developing

2 Points

Attempts to evaluate the potential impact of the campaign but the evaluation lacks depth or evidence.

Beginning

1 Points

Fails to evaluate the potential impact of the campaign on public knowledge and attitudes.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

How has your understanding of genetic diseases evolved throughout this project?

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Question 2

What was the most challenging aspect of designing a public awareness campaign for a genetic disease, and how did you overcome it?

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Question 3

To what extent do you believe your awareness campaign could impact public knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing and family planning?

Scale

Required

Question 4

Which communication medium (poster, brochure, social media, website) do you think is most effective for conveying information about genetic diseases, and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Poster

Brochure

Social Media

Website

Question 5

How has this project influenced your perspective on the ethical considerations surrounding genetic screening and interventions?

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Required