The Big 6
Genetic Disorder Assignment
Name: __________________________Disorder:______________________
Big 6 #1 Task Definition
Imagine you are a genetics specialist who has been sent to a remote town where one of
the inhabitants has a genetic condition. The townspeople are frightened by rumors that the sick
person is a monster, instead of a human. Research the medical facts of the disorder then pretend
that you have called a town meeting to put the town's fears to rest. Present you findings to the
town.
You must include the following in your speech:
1. What is the name of the genetic disorder? (include alternate names/abbreviations)
2. What causes the disorder?
3. Who does it affect and how many people does it affect? (race, age, gender, etc)
4. What are the major symptoms or signs of this disorder?
5. Is the disorder contagious? If no, how do people get it?
6. Is it curable (if no, what is the life expectancy)?
7. Pictures (on a poster; please make sure pictures are appropriate)
8. Sources: pictures must be sited too!
Due Date:
Big 6 #2 Information Seeking Strategies
Brainstorm a list of sources you will need for background information. Consider using library
books, scientific magazines, and experts on your disorder. Decide which will be the best to use
because you can find them or have someone to help you find them.
Big 6 #3 Location and Access
Locate the sources for your background information. Ask your teacher or librarian for help to
find the websites and books you will need.
Helpful websites:
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
www.kidshealth.org
http://www.genome.gov/10001204
http://www.dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/Genetic_Disorders/
http://www.ygyh.org/
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/disorders/whataregd/
Most disorders have a .org Foundation website (ex: proteus-syndrome.org,
neurofibromatosis.org)
*Wikipedia is not considered a reliable source and may not be used.
Big 6 #4 Use of Information
Use the list of provided websites to answer the questions in the Task Definition. Make sure that
you do not simply copy and paste information from a website because that is plagiarism! Any
scientific terms that you put on your final product, you must be able to explain. You may also
write down anything else that is interesting about your disorder that you would like to share.
Big 6 #5 Synthesis
Use your research to present your findings as stated in the Task Definition.
 You will give a 3 minute presentation of your research.
 With your presentation, you must have a small poster with at least 3 pictures (include
picture sources).
 You must also hand in a typed final product to the teacher.
Big 6 #6 Evaluation
Your will be graded on your presentation as well as your research. You can earn a possible 30
points for this assignment based on the following:
Requirement
Identification of genetic disorder- including all names
associated with disease
Cause- provide details about the are of the chromosome or
gene that is changed or defective
Who is affected/how many are affected- details about race,
age, gender, ethnicity, etc. of who might get this disease and
about how many people in the world have it
Symptoms- detailed list with explanation of the symptoms of
this disease. How do people know they have it and/or how
would a doctor diagnose it?
Susceptibility- how do people get this disease. Is it
contagious or is it genetic. If genetic, who in the family
would be most likely to get the gene. If contagious, how is it
spread
Curability- provide details about a cure and/or treatment (be
knowledgeable about the difference) and discuss the life
expectancy of those who have the disease
Pictures- provide pictures of people with the disease, any
unique characteristics and pictures of the mutated
chromosomes/genes if any
Sources provided
Presentation- knowledgeable about disease, did not read off
poster
Total ______/30
Excellent Average
2
1
Notprovided
0
3
1
0
3
1
0
5
2
0
5
2
0
4
2
0
3
1
0
2
3
1
2
0
1