use during their research. Title: March of Dimes and Folic Acid URL: site from the Texas Department of State Health Services abo possible causes of neural tube defects. This site is for the "epidemiologist" group t during their research. ut the o use Supplemental Document Title: Increase in NTD Request for Investigation File Name: Increase in NTD News Release Description: This is a request for investigation for the "epidemiologist" group to use during the investigation. This release is based on the real rates of NTDs at the time of the Brownsville cluster case study. (source: Lab Technician File Folder Resources Conclusion Duration: 45 minutes Web Resources Title: Drinking Water and Health: What you need to know URL: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwhealth.html Description: An article about toxic chemicals that have made their way into our groundwater for use by the “lab technician” group’s research. It should be noted by the teacher that there is not enough known about chemical’s effects on a developing fetus to determine whether or not they contribute to the occurrence of birth defects. Title: CDC ToxFAQs URL: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html Description: A Web site for the “lab technician” group to use that has fact sheets on toxic substances listed in alphabetical order. The fact sheets include information about the chemical, what it is used for, and its effects on the environment and humans. The lab technicians might want to refer to the “Water Quality Report” for chemicals to investigate. It should be noted by the teacher that there is not enough known about the effects of chemicals on a developing fetus to determine whether or not they contribute to the occurrence of birth defects. Title: Anti Epilepsy drug can increase risk of Spina Bifida URL: http://www.asbah.org/Spina%20Bifida/Epilepsy%20Medication.html Description: This Web site has a brief statement about the epilepsy drugs that are linked to NTDs in women with epilepsy. This site is to be used by the “lab technician” group. Supplemental Document Title: Water Quality Report File Name: Water Quality Report Description: This file is a water quality report form a river in the area of the NTD cluster for the “lab technician” group to use during their research. This file is based on an article that studied the water in Texas. In some areas of the Texas the rates of trihalomethanes exceed the limits set by the EPA (source: html) Students will now reorganize as groups that contain one of each of the roles from the investigation. Each group member will present the evidence that was gathered from his/her individual research team, and the new groups will prepare a final report showing what they think is the most probable cause of the neural tube defects in the town. After the town hall meeting, a final report will be prepared by the group and submitted for evaluation. The report will be evaluated based on the “Rubric for the Final Report” document included below. The group will also participate in a simulated “Town Meeting” where they will share their findings and conclusions. During this Town Meeting, students will represent members of the community and members of the town board. On the day of the meeting, the teacher will hand out cards to students as they enter – some students will be designated as town board members. These students will sit at the front of the room and represent the board. They will listen to each of the speakers. One person to represent each of the groups will speak to the town board to share what they have found. After the town meeting the teacher should discuss the real facts of the case that this simulation was based upon. This information is found in “The Real Case”. One point that teachers should emphasize is that public health not only identifies causes of problems, but seeks to prevent them. Once an investigation is concluded, public health professionals try to use what they have learned to prevent future problems from happening. In the real case that this lesson plan is based on, efforts to lower the rates of neural tube defects in the area continue. The students will be assessed on their written final report using the “Rubric for the Final Report” found in the conclusion step. National Science Education Standards Science as Inquiry, CONTENT STANDARD A: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry • Understandings about scientific inquiry Science and Technology, CONTENT STANDARD E: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop • Abilities of technological design • Understandings about science and technology Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, CONTENT STANDARD F: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of • Personal and community health Supplemental Documents Title: Rubric for the Final Report File Name: Report Rubric.doc Description: This file is the rubric that can be used by the teacher to assess the groups’ final reports on the case. Title: The Real Case File Name: The Real Case.doc Description: This file is the information about the actual cluster of neural tube defects for the teacher to share with the students after the town hall meeting. Assessment Modifications