Grade 7 Scientists Investigate and Explain Genetics with Creative Flair
Students wrote one disease from the perspective of a patient, family member of the patient, or a doctor via a fictional blog. Each post furthered the student’s knowledge about the disease. Science teacher, Robin Koval, was thrilled with the successful outcome of this writing assignment because of its interdisciplinary nature. “Students were challenged to incorporate their science knowledge with creative writing to produce a finished product that both taught and engaged their classmates about the disease.”
Diseases that the students explored were Huntington’s, Lou Gehrig's, Down Syndrome, Hemophilia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs, and Cystic Fibrosis. During the research portion of the project, students were asked to learn about the genetic and inheritance information for the causes of the disease, such as whether it was a gene or chromosomal mutation. They also learned about the statistics and history of the disorder, as well as its symptoms and treatments. Students used this information to make highly personalized blog posts that shared what it was like to live with a particular disorder. Students also investigated current research that included case studies about new technologies being developed to treat and/or cure these diseases.
These seventh graders have used blogs in other classes before, but this was one of their first experiences creating their own blog using the Blogger platform. The Technology Team was on hand to walk them through the process of setting up the various components of the blog during class using Mrs. Koval’s laptops. Afterwards, students could work on their own, either at home or at school, to write their blog posts. Sanjna, a seventh grader, liked “how we could use our creativity and science knowledge together.” Fellow classmate, James agreed, thinking that creative writing was “essential to making [the diseases] interesting....making stories about people with the disorders kept the project engaging.” Most students thought it was a “cool way to use technology to share information about science.”
Here are some of the blogs written by some of our Grade 7 scientists.
Shore Country Day School’s mission is to provide an education that inspires a love of learning and encourages children to embrace academic challenge. We seek to build character, cultivate creativity, and value diversity as we help our children become healthy, compassionate citizens of the world.
The School admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its admissions, scholarships, and loans, and its educational, athletic, and other programs.