AIDS: Common Threads
of Understanding
Lesson
4: The Basic Thread: Immune System

Grade Level: 9
Subjects: Health, Science, and Social
Studies
Learner Outcomes:
-
Students will be able to discuss how the diseases
attack the immune system.
-
Students will investigate current research on
AIDS and the immune system.
-
Students will share information on current research
via a written summary or a Powerpoint presentation.
Duration of Lesson:
ASSIGNMENT #1: 1 - 50 minute
class period
ASSIGNMENT #2: 3 to 5 - 50 minute
class periods (at least 2 for computer research)
Materials:
none needed
Technology Tools/Courseware:
-
Computer lab access
-
Internet access
-
List of appropriate web sites (see references)
-
Printer
-
Discs (if needed)
Teacher Notes:
-
Be sure each student has signed and understood
the Acceptable Use Policy for your school.
-
Be sure to reserve computer lab for 2 or 3 days.
-
Be sure computer lab has Internet access for
all students.
Procedures:
ASSIGNMENT #1
-
Students should brainstorm definitions for:
pathogen, infection, and communicable disease.
-
From definitions, have students create a working
definition for each word.
-
In teams of 2 or 3, have students create a concept
map for infectious disease (being sure that all teams have included basic
vocabulary words within the map)
ASSIGNMENT #2
-
Discuss types of pathogens: bacteria,
protozoan, fungi, worms, and viruses.
-
Review the idea that AIDS is a communicable
disease.
-
Students will research
the Internet and summarize the recent findings about AIDS and how it affects
the immune system. Students will present their findings in either
a written summary (250-300 words) or a 8-10 min. PowerPoint presentation.
Modifications:
-
Since access to certain Internet sites may not
be available at one time or another, it is advisable to have more than
one site listed for students.
-
Depending on the student's abilities/IEP's,
the teacher may need to modify individual assignments.
Enrichment Activities:
-
Students may want to put together a news broadcast
with "late breaking news" concerning current AIDS research.
-
Students could also present PowerPoint presentation
to other student groups or classes about current AIDS research.
Evaluation/Assessment:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Use standard
grading scale to assess concept map.
ASSIGNMENT #2:
|
Points possible |
Points earned |
| Effects on the immune system? |
20
|
|
| Possible treatments? |
20
|
|
| Side effects of treatments |
20
|
|
| How recent is information? |
20
|
|
| Meets the guidelines for assignment (time
for PowerPoint or length for typed summary) |
20
|
|
State
Standards:
CATS 9: 9.1, 9.7, 9.25, 9.26,
9.93, 9.95, 9.98, 9.99, 9.101, 9.102, 9.104
Health: HE.3, HE.5, HE.22, HE.23,
HE. 28, HE.31, HE.33, HE.40, HE.59, HE. 61, HE.62, HE.63
Social Studies: 9.35, 9.45, 9.51,
9.52, 9.54, 9.55
National
Science Standards:
National Science Content Standards
F: As a result of activities developed in grades 9 - 12, all students should
develop understanding of personal and community health.
National
Standards:
Health: 7. Knows how
to maintain and promote personal health
8. Knows essential concepts about
the prevention and control of disease
Social Studies: 1. Understands
that group and cultural influences contribute to human development, identity,
and behavior.
Job/Career Clusters:
References:
Assignment
2: Research sites
The
Immune System: A Primer
The
Immune System: An Overview
Human
Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2
An
Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Infectious
disease
Authors:
Cheryl
Conaway, MA
Krystal
Curtis. EdD
Mary
Kuretza, NCC, NCSC
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