Name:                                                                                                         Date:                                

Human Genetic Inheritance  

Driving Question:

In what ways can we support those who are living with or who are in a relationship with someone who is living with a genetic disorder?

Background: Because the vast majority of human traits that we can easily see and understand are the result of complex interactions of both genetic and environmental causes, it is valuable to learn about observable phenomena in humans that are the result of single genetic events.  This project will allow you to dig deeper in your understanding of a specific genetic disorder that causes a survivable, but impactful outcome.  You will have the chance to consider the adjustments to daily life and the possibilities for treatments and ongoing research that are so important for these affected individuals.

Part I: Research a Human Genetic Disorder (Team - maximum of 2 students)

Use https://www.genome.gov/10001204/specific-genetic-disorders/  to choose a genetic disorder to study.  Be sure to select a disorder resulting from a monogenetic (single-gene mutation) or single chromosomal disorder event. All research, data, and ideas collected will be based on this choice you make. Examples are listed below.

Here is an additional site that provides a good background about genetic disorders: https://www.genome.gov/19016930/faq-about-genetic-disorders/.

Part II: Call to Action (Team - maximum of 2 students)

Create a product that will provide data, images, and stories about a human genetic disorder that will inspire an audience of community members about the challenges of daily life, the inheritance considerations, and possibilities for the future for these individuals. Use our class studies on hemophilia and other inherited conditions from our Amplify curriculum as well as our karyotyping activity (chromosomal analysis) to develop an impactful product of your choice. Be prepared to cite three additional sources.

Ideas include (but are not limited to):

What are ways you can create awareness of the experience of living with a genetic disorder?

How will your product inspire others to act in favor of support for these individuals?

Call to Action Project, “Part 2” - Due ___

Presentations will be held:  ____

"If (Science) were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten."

-Richard Kipling (edited/plagiarized/modified by J. Nash)

Your product is expected to tell the story of an individual carrying a specific genetic disorder including:

• A compassionate representation of its effects as it relates to the individual's life

• A detailed explanation of the pattern of inheritance of the disorder

• An update on the current status of treatment and/or support available for those living with

the disorder

Part III: Written Response (Individual)

Directions. In addition to PART ONE of your project respond to these questions that will be provided in a Google Doc template. Be prepared to share your answers during your presentation. It is your responsibility to become a respectful advocate for those with the disorder you have selected to study.

Driving Question: In what ways can we help those who are living with or who are in a relationship with someone who is living with a genetic disorder?

Topics to Uncover

1. What is the pattern of inheritance of this disorder? Why does this disorder occur?  What is the genetic cause for it? (sex-linked? Dominant mutation? Recessive?)

2. Who is affected by this disorder?  How common is it?

3. How are these people’s lives affected?  What is the daily life experience for an individual with this disorder?

4. What treatments are available? Where do affected individuals get the help they need to live with this disorder?

4. What future research is ongoing for this disorder?  What are some possibilities for improved health outcomes for these patients and/or their families in the future?

5. Who is responsible to help these individuals?  What responsibilities do humans as members of our society have to support these individuals?  What might it be like to learn that you or your spouse is a carrier for this disorder?

6. What are the medical, social, and ethical considerations for this genetic disorder?  Do you think that we, as fellow humans, have a moral responsibility to support the lives of and develop cures for this disorder? Why or why not? How might a politician or a world leader respond to this question?

Project Management Agreement:

My responsibilities for the project are:

My teammate’s responsibilities are:

Signatures:

Me:                                                My Teammate:

A copy of this responsibilities sheet is due on ________________