1. Question

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How are neurons, the brain, and the nervous system affected as the result of biological disease?

The Nervous System and Disease

Image Source: Microsoft Clip Art

There are many diseases that negatively impact the human nervous system. The number of people diagnosed annually with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s has been steadily increasing.

Research is being conducted to determine the causes and possible treatments for these neurological diseases.

2. Information Sources

Parkinson’s DiseaseDisease OverviewDr. Oz Discusses

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation

NY Times Article

ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)

Disease OverviewPBS Overview

Stephen Hawking Lives with ALS

ALS Association

Multiple SclerosisDisease Overview

Dr. Murray InterviewBrain Pop VideoNY Times Article

Huntington's diseaseDisease Overview

Background and Diagnosis

NHS Video and ArticleStanford University Project

Alzheimer's DiseaseStatistics/Global Concern

Brain Pop VideoTreatment

NY Times Article National Geographic Diagram

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Image Source: Microsoft Clip Art

3. Student Activity

As you use the informational resources provided take notes on your neurological disease. Make sure that your research analyzes each of the neurological levels that are negatively effect by the disease.

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Image Source: Microsoft Clip Art

Inquiry Organizer

4. Assessment Activity

Develop a group presentation that summarizes your findings, organize your group presentation using a digital platform such as PowerPoint, Prezi, Thinglink, Inspiration, Animoto or Wall Wisher.

Present your findings to the class and take Cornell Notes

Record details and examples to clarify your understanding of each neurological disease and think about how it compares to your research.

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Image Source: Microsoft Clip Art

5. Enrichment Activities

Research one structure of the brain utilizing the resources below. After conducting your research on a specific brain structure you will create an infographic that…

1) Analyzes the functions of the brain structure2) How this structure works with other parts of

the brain3) Discusses any disorders that are associated

with your chosen structure.National Geographic

Brain BasicsThe Human Brain

To create your infographic you can use one of the following digital platforms.

Piktochart infogr.am

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Image Source: http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/srp-view.aspx?id=152450

Infographic Rubric

6. Teacher Support MaterialsBCPS Curriculum

Unit 1: Indicator 03. Students will investigate the components of the nervous system in order to determine neurological functions.

Common Core State Standards

Reading: 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

Writing: 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Standards for the 21st Century Learner 1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g. textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning.2.1.3 Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, real-world situations, and further investigations.

Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students

3.0: Use a variety of technologies for learning and collaboration.

Time Frame:

This lesson should take one 90 minute period or two 45 minute class periods to conduct research and create student presentation.

Differentiation: Direct students to use comprehension tools

included in databases, such as: audio read-aloud, labeled reading levels, and embedded dictionaries.

Learning Styles:

Visual, auditory, field dependent, global

AVID Strategy: Cornell Notes

Notes to the teacher:

Teachers should choose/ approve what groups and disease students will analyze.

Teachers will need to see their technology liaison or library media specialist for assistance in creating accounts for Wall Wisher, Voice Thread , Prezi, Glogster or Animoto accounts. All of these do not require a fee but must have access before students begin this project.

Last updated: July 2014Created by Sarah McComb linked to email address, Social Studies Teacher

BCPS Slam Dunk Research Model, Copyright 2013, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved. The models may be used for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. This lesson is based on Jamie McKenzie’s Slam Dunk Lesson module.

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