Download Reader 2 What causes birth defects?

If you missed this class:
1. Write down the vocabulary and the definitions in your comp books
2. Write down at least ten quality notes
3. Choose one of the story ideas at the end and write at least a half page
story.
Understanding Birth Defects Class
Preparation:
1. The seating chart is stored in the classroom binder on my desk.
2. The call list is also stored in the classroom binder on my desk. Make sure to mark next to the people you call on
to answer questions.
3. Make sure all students have their composition books on their tables. Have them get paper if they do not have
them. They can always get some from the white shelf next to my desk.
4. Write down the meanings of the following vocabulary:
Ethical: Our beliefs about what is right and wrong and how we apply it to our behaviors
Developmental: Growth and change
Heredity: What we receive from our parents both genetically and environmentally
Perinatal: relating to, or being the period around childbirth, especially the five months before and one month after birth
Maternal: Coming from the mother
Paternal: coming from the father
Abnormality: Something that is not right.
Premature: A baby who is born too early
Chromosome: The genetic material that makes us who we are
Degenerative: Coming apart/For example, arthritis is degenerative-it lowers a person’s ability to physically move over time.
5. Bell Ringer: I noticed that people with birth defects_______________
Students will begin to understand the impact of birth defects and will demonstrate their understanding with a short
story.
1. Be prepared to ask questions after each video and turn in a contribution card.
 A clip from the full video:Perfecting Baby: Controlling DNA
More In Series:Investigative Reports
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Grade(s): 9-12
Run Time: [05:27]
This program examines genetic engineering and the ethical issues surrounding the manipulation of DNA to
prevent physical defects and diseases--or to create the "perfect baby." Among the highlighted issues are
Fragile X syndrome, genetic shopping, and genetic engineering for hair growth.
©2001, A&E Television Networks
 A clip from the full video:Prenatal Development
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Tags
Grade(s): 9-12
Run Time: [03:10]
Four main causes of birth defects include heredity, environment, genetic disorders, and chromosomal errors.
Prenatal care and avoiding risk factors help reduce occurrence of birth defects.
©2001, Meridian Education Corp
 A clip from the full video:Birth Defects: Causes and Prevention
Refine your search:
Tags
Grade(s): 9-12
Run Time: [01:58]
Causes of perinatal damage include drugs or other chemical agents, infections, maternal disorders, and pregnancy-related
abnormalities like premature birth. Some birth defects are genetic.
©1990, Meridian Education Corp
Read the following article:
Reader 2
What causes birth defects?
Birth defects have a variety of causes, such as:
Genetic problems caused when one or more genes doesn't work properly or part of a gene is missing
Problems with chromosomes, such as having an extra chromosome or missing part of a chromosome
Environmental factors that a woman is exposed to during pregnancy, such as rubella or German measles while
pregnant, or using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.
What are the different types of birth defects?-Reader 3
There are two main types of birth defects: structural and functional/developmental.
Structural birth defects are related to a problem with body parts. Some physical problems include cleft lip or cleft
palate, heart defects, such as missing or misshaped valves, and abnormal limbs, such as a club foot. They also
include neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, problems that are related to the growth and development of the
brain and spinal cord.
Functional birth defects are related to a problem with how a body part or body system works. These problems often
lead to developmental disabilities and can include things such as:
Nervous system or brain problems - such as learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral disorders,
speech or language difficulties, convulsions, and movement trouble. Some examples of birth defects that affect the
nervous system include Autism, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome.
Reader 4
Sensory problems - such as blindness, cataracts and other visual problems, and varying degrees of hearing loss
including deafness
Metabolic disorders - involve a body process or chemical pathway or reaction, such as conditions that limit the
body's ability to get rid of waste materials or harmful chemicals. Two common metabolic disorders are
phenylketonuria (PKU) and hypothyroidism.
Degenerative disorders--are conditions that might not be obvious at birth, but cause one or more aspects of health
to steadily get worse. For example, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), which was the focus of the movie
Lorenzo's Oil, Rett syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and lysosomal disorders are examples of degenerative
disorders.
In some cases, birth defects are caused by a combination of factors. Some recognized patterns of birth defects
affect many parts or processes in the body, leading to both structural and functional problems.
What are the treatments for birth defects?-Reader 5
Treatments for birth defects vary by disorder. Talk to your health care provider for more information about
treatments for birth defects.
SOURCE: National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health
What causes birth defects?Birth defects have a variety of causes, such as:
Genetic problems caused when one or more genes doesn't work properly or part of a gene is missing
Problems with chromosomes, such as having an extra chromosome or missing part of a chromosome
Environmental factors that a woman is exposed to during pregnancy, such as rubella or German measles while
pregnant, or using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.
What are the different types of birth defects?-Reader 6 or 1
There are two main types of birth defects: structural and functional/developmental.
Structural birth defects are related to a problem with body parts. Some physical problems include cleft lip or cleft
palate, heart defects, such as missing or misshaped valves, and abnormal limbs, such as a club foot. They also
include neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, problems that are related to the growth and development of the
brain and spinal cord.
Functional birth defects are related to a problem with how a body part or body system works. These problems often
lead to developmental disabilities and can include things such as:
Nervous system or brain problems - such as learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral disorders,
speech or language difficulties, convulsions, and movement trouble. Some examples of birth defects that affect the
nervous system include Autism, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome.
Sensory problems - such as blindness, cataracts and other visual problems, and varying degrees of hearing loss
including deafness
Metabolic disorders - involve a body process or chemical pathway or reaction, such as conditions that limit the
body's ability to get rid of waste materials or harmful chemicals. Two common metabolic disorders are
phenylketonuria (PKU) and hypothyroidism.
Degenerative disorders--are conditions that might not be obvious at birth, but cause one or more aspects of health
to steadily get worse. For example, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), which was the focus of the movie
Lorenzo's Oil, Rett syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and lysosomal disorders are examples of degenerative
disorders.
In some cases, birth defects are caused by a combination of factors. Some recognized patterns of birth defects
affect many parts or processes in the body, leading to both structural and functional problems. .
SOURCE: National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health
Assignment:
Write a story based on one of the following scenarios:
a. Parents give birth to a child with birth defects. Describe their reactions and what happens.
b. Parents know they might carry genetic defects and have to decide if they are going to get genetic
counseling.
c. Someone who is aware that a couple might be carrying genetic defects and their opinions about whether
they should get counseling.
d. Create an additional option with Mrs. DeWhitt
One person from each group will be randomly called to read their story to the class.