Title: Exceptionality Discovery (Grade 7)
Overview/Annotation:
Students will be placed in groups of 3-4 and given a trait or disorder that is the result of DNA or
chromosome irregularity. They will use AVL to locate information about their exceptionality
and create a brochure about that topic.
Primary Learning Objective(s):
Students will display an understanding of how heredity and/or chromosome irregularities lead
to various exceptionalities.
Additional Learning Objective(s):
1. Each group will utilize the AVL to locate information about one of the six topics
assigned to each group.
2. Students will display proper research skills with print resources found in the library.
3. Students will appropriately cite their sources as defined by the MLA standards.
4. Students will use this information to create a brochure using a publishing program or
word processing program.
Total Duration: 5 days with 50 minute class periods.
Materials and Equipment:
- Access to a lab or library computer station
- Access to the library
- One floppy disk for each group
- Printer (Color Preferably)
Technology Resources Needed:
- At least six computers with access to the Internet and either a publishing program or
word processor.
- Scanner
- Printer
Background/Preparation:
An introduction to the topic or heredity and cell development and reproduction is preferred to
ensure the students have a grasp on the new vocabulary and concepts that would accompany
that instruction. This would be best as a culminating activity or as an enhancement to the unit of
cell reproduction. The students should be made aware of how chromosomes and DNA work as
well as how genetics play a part in who we are.
Procedures/Activities:
1. Students are divided into 6 groups of 3 to 4 depending on class size and are assigned one
of the six topics: Sickle Cell Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Albinism, Colorblindness,
2.
3.
4.
5.
Diabetes, and Down’s syndrome (an additional topic for larger classes would be multiple
births).
The classes would preferably be meeting in the library or lab to conduct research with
print resources and the AVL. The information retrieved will be organized using a rubric.
Once information is collected the students will be given a template to create a mock-up of
their brochure.
They will then produce their brochure using either a publishing program or word
processor.
They will present their topic to the class.
Assessment Strategies:
The students will have a rubric to follow which will serve as the assessment tool. See Appendix
1.
Extension: Have the students interview someone with the exceptionality or invite guests
(people with the exceptionality or a physician who treats them) to the presentations to further
answer questions about each topic.
Remediation: Create a poster answering the following: Definition, How does it happen,
Treatment, Life with the exceptionality with a minimum of one illustration or picture.
Submitted by: Gigi Ezelle, Chelsea Middle School
Appendix 1
Exceptionality Discovery Rubric
Topic: ___________________________
Group Members:
1)
2)
3)
4)
(Name)
(Name)
(Name)
(Name)
Team
Two Online
Resources
One Print Resource
Citations
Draft
Information/Mechanics
Neatness/ Illustration
Research Skills
Technology Skills
Presentation
Peer Review
TOTAL
All scores reflect 10 points for totals of 100 points for the individual and 100 points for the group. Each
total will be an individual grade in the grade book.