HD Genetic Testing
Genetic Disorders: The Ending or The Beginning?
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Student Project: Genetic Disorders:
The Ending or The Beginning?
Genetic Disorders: The Ending or The Beginning?
A WebQuest for 8th Grade Science Students
 Introduction:

"ATTENTION PATIENTS!!  THE DOCTOR HAS THE RESULTS OF YOUR GENETIC
TESTING!!!"

Will the test be negative?  Will it be positive?   How will you react? What will you do if the test is positive?  How could this change your life?!

 
The Task:

(Note: see website for other diseases.  Only Huntington's Disease shown here.)

Choose and become an expert on one of the following genetic disorders.

Huntington's Disease (Huntington's Chorea)

Research and create an informational brochure about your disease.

Evaluate how reliable genetic testing is in predicting diseases; Evaluate the benefits and consequences of genetic testing.

The Process & Resources:

To make sure that you understand the basics of genetics, visit

An Introduction to Genetics and Genetic Testing (Read until the Last Page)

What is Inheritance? (Read through each section and complete each short quiz)

Huntington's Disease (Huntington's Chorea)
             
 
Let the research begin!   You need to research the following information about your disorder (using the above websites on the disorder you chose):

a.. How common is this disorder? (look for the rate of incidence)
             
b.. Does it occur in one particular population more often than in other populations?
             
c.. What are symptoms of this disorder?
d.. Which system(s) of the body does it effect?
           
e.. How is the illness caused?         
f.. What is done to treat this disorder?
g.. Is it fatal?
h.. What is the life expectancy?
i.. What is the prognosis?
j.. How is this disorder inherited?

k.. Describe the way the disorder is transmitted explaining dominance, recessive, co-dominance, or sex-linked inheritance.

 
l.. When can genetic testing for this disorder be performed?
m.. Who should know about this disease?
 
n.. Any other information that might benefit a patient withthis disorder.
 
Create an informational brochure about your disorder using the information you just researched.  Use Printshop to create your brochure.

Once you have created your brochure, you need to evaluate how reliable genetic testing is in predicting genetic disorders.  Also evaluate the benefits and consequences of genetic testing.

Review the following website:
a.. An Introduction to Genetics and Genetic Testing (Read until the Last Page) Also make sure you read all the way through this site!!

Understanding Gene Testing
Now you need to formulate your position/opinion on genetic testing using the information you found on genetic testing (reliability, benefits,consequences).

If you chose breast cancer or Huntington's disease answer the following questions:
       
a.. Would you have the genetic test?   Why or
     why not?
b.. How do you think genetic testing would affect the way you live the rest of your life (if the test came out positive)?
 
c.. Would you change your diet?
d.. Would you exercise more or less?
e.. Would you get married?
f.. Would you have children?
g.. How might it affect other decisions or activities in your life?
 
You have formed your position/opinion on genetic testing. 
Now get ready to defend your position in class!!  You will be giving a short, oral presentation on your disorder.  After going though your brochure, you will state your position.  Be ready to answer questions (defend your position) about why you believe what you believe.  Have your brochure ready to turn in after your presentation.
 

Your evaluation will be based on the following:

  • Oral presentation
  • Ability to defend your belief
  • Brochure

 

Metropolitan School District of Warren Township
9301 East 18th Street
Indianapolis, IN. 46229
Phone: 317.532.6100
B y Mrs. Hummel
Created June 21, 2001