Disease Research Project

Grade Level: 7

Subject/Course: Science

Unit: Structure and Function of Living Organisms / Disease

Enduring Understandings:

Disease disrupts equilibrium in living organisms.

The immune system helps the body regain it equilibrium.

Our knowledge of disease is continuously evolving with advances in technology.

Essential Questions:

What is a disease?

What causes disease?

How does the body fight disease?

How does technology increase our knowledge of disease?

Maryland Learning Outcome:

Students will use scientific skill and processes to explain the dynamic nature of living things, their interactions, and the results of the interactions that occur over time. 

Indicators:

3.7.3 Analyze concepts that promote or disrupt the structure and function of living organisms.

1.7.1 access and process information from readings, investigations, and/or oral communications

  TASK/COMPONENTS OF PROJECT/GT EXTENSION/LINKS TO SOURCES/GRADING CRITERIA

TASK                                                                                                        back to top of page

A local advertising agency, Advertisements R’ Us, has just received a large contract from the National Public Awareness Foundation for Diseases and Disorders (NPAFDD).  This contract involves the creation and production of a large number of pamphlets and brochures, which will be used to raise public awareness of the common causes and treatments of a variety of diseases that affect people all over the world.  In order to assure that the public is made completely aware of the dangers and preventative measures associated with each of these diseases, the information included in these brochures/pamphlets must include all known information regarding each particular type of disease. 

Your brochure/pamphlet must include the following information:

CAUSE -- type of disease/disorder; specific cause or source; how it is transmitted or spread

SYMPTOMS -- how a person feels when he/she is sick with the disease/disorder; duration of symptoms

BODY SYSTEMS AFFECTED- which organs/systems of the human body are affected?  How are these organs/systems affected?

PREVENTION/TREATMENT/CURE -- how can you prevent getting the disease/disorder; what can be done if you have the disease/disorder; medical specialist who treats the disease/disorder; medication that will get rid of the disease/disorder

PART OF THE WORLD WHERE DISEASE/DISORDER IS MOST PREVALENT -- is it worldwide? is it found in remote or urban areas? name specific countries where it is found and/or how many cases are found in a specific country each year; does it favor a particular climate? does it appear more often in a particular season?

WHO IS AFFECTED -- age; group; sex; and/or race that is affected

EFFECT OF DISEASE /DISORDER ON FAMILY MEMBERS – how does this disease affect the family members of the person who has the disease

OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION -- such as: who discovered the disease/disorder; how it was named; other diseases/disorders associated with your disease/disorder; or any other information you find that does not fit in any other section of your outline

COMPONENTS OF PROJECT                                                  back to top of page

PLANNING OUTLINEi

   cause

   symptoms

   description of which organs/body systems are affected and how they are affected

   prevention/treatment/cure

   area of the world

   who is affected

   effects of disease on family

   other general information

GATHERING GRIDS

   ten research questions are stated (one per gathering grid)

   information is gathered and recorded for all ten research questions

   source documentation is provided on each gathering grid for all collected information

FORMAL BIBLIOGRAPHY

   at least 7 different sources are sited

   at least 3 of your sources were online sources

   proper MLA form is used

BROCHURE

   includes a title

   is neat and well-organized

   includes all required information about the disease

   includes at least 3 appropriate visuals/graphics

GT Extension (Total - 55 points)                                                         back to top of page

In addition to the other components of the Disease Research Project, all GT students will be required to turn in a research paper about their disease. 

COVER SHEET (4 pts.)

   title of paper

   your name, date, and period

   name of teacher

OUTLINE OF YOUR PAPER (8 pts.)

   contents of your research paper given in appropriate outline form

BODY OF REPORT (35 pts.)

   introductory paragraph is present

   2 to 3 typed pages (double spaced)

   includes all relevant information found through your research

   concluding paragraph is present

   appropriate spelling, punctuation , and grammar used

FORMAL BIBLIOGRAPHY (8 pts.)

   at least 6  references are sited

   at least 3 references are websites

   at least 2 references are books

   presented in proper MLA format

Link to Internet Sources

_{GRADING CRITERIA}                                                                                   back to top of page

Gathering Grids/Planning Outline/ Bibliography/ Brochure/Total Points

Gathering Grids/Planning Outline (Total - 30 points)              back to grading criteria

Bibliography (Total - 20 points)                                                   back to grading criteria

Brochure (Total- 30 points)                                                           back to grading criteria

Disease Research Project - Total Points                                  back to grading criteria

Disease Research Project - Total Points (GT)                             back to grading criteria

Created by Carla Beasley

7th grade Science Teacher

Julius West Middle School

_{last updated February 28, 2002}