Disorders of the Digestive System: Brochure and Presentation
Objectives
Students will
-research one common problem/disorder of the digestive system
-create a brochure, similar to one found at a doctor's office, that describes the problem, its causes,(you
must demonstrate your knowledge of the digestive system) symptoms, who it is likely to affect, and
possible treatments
What must be included in the brochure?
The brochure should follow the outline below. The questions listed are designed to provoke thought and to help
you determine what is significant and what is not. They are not to be answered individually as a question and
answer session. This information should form the basis for what is included in your informational brochure.
Students should title their brochure in the form of a question a patient might have. For example:
"Why do I burp?" (for kids)
"Why do I throw up?" (for kids)
"Why do dairy products make me sick?" (for teens)
"Are you taking antacids every day?" (for middle-aged adults)
"Is it time for a colonoscopy?" (for older adults)
1.
Introduction and Description
What is the name of the disorder? Are there any other names by which it is commonly known? How does one
describe the disorder?
2.
How does one get the disorder?
A description of how and why the disorder/problem develops. Your knowledge of the digestive system should
be demonstrated in relation to the problem/disorder.
3.
Clinical description of the disorder
What are the features of the disorder? How does it affect the victim? What is it like to have the disorder? How
would you describe the disorder to someone else? What is the disorder like externally, internally,
biochemically, psychologically, etc. What problems are associated with the disorder? Is the disorder physically
limiting? Is it life-threatening? Is it invariably fatal? Is it found more commonly in certain groups of people, such
as a particular ethnic or religious group or particular sex?
4.
Treatment
Can anything be done for the disorder? Can the basic defect be treated? Can the symptoms or results of the
disorder be treated? Is there a cure for the disorder? What are the therapies for this disorder, if any?
5.
Detection
Can the disorder be detected before its symptoms appear? If so, how? Describe the technology/tests used to
detect/manage the disorder.
Things to consider in your evaluation:
Accuracy - How accurate is your brochure? Did you give any misinformation? Did you appear to know the
information well? Did you answer questions accurately?
Relevance- Did you introduce case studies or real scenarios? Was it meaningful information to the brochure?
Does it appear as though it is a ‘real life’ medical brochure?
Digestion Knowledge-Is your knowledge of the digestive system (anatomy, physiology, ingestion, digestion,
elimination, egestion, structures and functions) (what we have studied in class) evident in your explanation of
material?
Brochure- Is all content accurately and informatively presented? Would a patient/family diagnosed with a
digestive disorder find the brochure helpful and meaningful? Is it written in a professional manner, similar to
other medical brochures or pamphlets? Are there graphics, diagrams, and figures? Is the information easy to
understand? Are references included on a separate sheet?
Materials
Paper (8 1/2 x 11 inches)
Pens, pencils
Computer with Internet access
Procedures
The following Web sites will help students to get started in their research:
http://health.discovery.com/centers/digestive/conditions.html
1.
2.
How to Create the Brochure
By folding an 8½ by 11-inch piece of paper into thirds. You may use a word processing program such
as Microsoft Word. You should include images with labels, whether you import them from another file or sketch
them by hand.
When the brochures are complete, each student should use the brochure to explain the condition, as if
he or she were the doctor and the class are the patients.
List of Digestive System Disorders
-see attached sheet of paper. No more than two students may do the same digestive disorder.
You are expected to prepare a complete bibliography that
will note all the sources of your information. When using the
Internet, it is essential that articles used have an author,
which vouches for their authenticity. Include the URL, author
and title of the article. Sources should be from research
centers, universities or other authorities. DO NOT
PLAGIARIZE, but do take information from 3 or more
sources and rewrite it in your own words.
The Bibliography will be attached to your brochure on a separate sheet of paper.