Download Infectious diseases now_Scheme of work

AS Science in Society 1.2
Infectious diseases now
This topic covers the always topical issues of the spread of infectious diseases. The examples used can be chosen to reflect
media interest at the time. Different diseases provide the contexts for learning about microbes and their transmission and about
immunity and antibiotics.
The role of the media and some of the factors that influence decision-making are explored. The topic is also important in
introducing a global perspective and showing stark contrasts between developed and developing countries.
The role of public health measures and the use of statistical indicators are also important themes.
The references below to How Science Works (HSW) and to Science Explanations (SE) use the code letters found in sections 3.5
and 3.6 of the specification. Learning skills for Science (LSS) activities are integrated into all the AS topics.
1
2
3
4
5
Focus of
session
A reminder of
the importance
of infectious
diseases today.
An introduction
to the use of
newspapers.
Introduction to
the structure of
an argument
Health care in a
typical low
income country.
Understanding
what is effective
and
appropriate,
and how
decisions are
made (HSW
Hb, Hg).
Statistical
indicators of
public health.
Correlations
between health
and other social
and economic
factors (HSW
Bb, Bc, Be).
Modern
vaccines in a
developing
country.
Attitudes to
vaccination.
Science and
society, role of
the media
(HSW Fc, Fd).
Germ theory
(SE Ac, Ad).
Modern
vaccines in the
UK.
Attitudes to
vaccination.
Science and
society, role of
the media
(HSW Fc, Fd).
Germ theory
(SE Ac, Ad).
Suggested activities
Learning skills for Science activities
General discussion of topical news items
Infectious diseases in the news activity
Arguments about food poisoning
Safer birth in Chad
a series of very short videos on health problems in part of
Uganda
http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/video/2007/oct/20/health
Measuring health activity or
Use of information from WHO and UNDP or
http://www.gapminder.org/ to discuss and answer
questions.
recent vaccination issue.
Skill area 3 LSS: Extracting key
information from a scientific article at ‘first
glance’ - students read an article about a
vaccine for malaria
New activity: The MMR story *
Critical discussion of evidence used by both sides in a
dispute and of the role of the media
Skill area 1 LSS: Speed survey - students
collect information from peers in a quick
survey about vaccinations.
Reading textbook on elimination of smallpox p.19-21
Visit to Jenner museum activity for those in the
South WestClass discussion of press articles on a
6
Antibiotics.
Successes.
Science of
antibiotic
resistance (SE
Af).
Reading and discussion from text book
Antibiotic role play explaining antibiotic resistance
7
HIV - theories
on origin,
spread,
symptoms,
prevention.
Viruses (SE
Ab).
Study of an
infectious
disease.
Germ theory
(SE Aa, Ab, Ac,
Ad, Ae).
Class discussion started with HIV discussion statements
activity
Use up to date international statistics to calculate rate of
increase in different regions. Search ‘UNAIDS’ plus a
year to get maps with data on them.
Reading and discussion on origins of HIV
http://www.avert.org/origins.htm
Either reading and answering questions on TB from
textbook p.24–29 or group research on different diseases.
Each group to produce a poster describing the symptoms,
global distribution, mode of transmission and preventative
and curative measures
Study of an
infectious
disease.
Germ theory
(SE Aa, Ab, Ac,
Ad, Ae).
Review of the
science.
Microbes –
reproduction
and
transmission.
Immune
response.
How infectious
diseases
spread.
Germ theory
(SE Aa, Ab, Ac,
Ad, Ae).
Review activity.
Causal links
(HSW Bb, Bc,
Be).
Decisions
(HSW Hb, Hg).
Either reading and answering questions on influenza from
text book
p. 29-31 or group presentation on the disease they have
studied.
Skill area 2 LSS: Let’s get critical - peer
feedback on presentations about an
infectious disease.
Answering questions from textbook p. 17-20
Cells: animal cells, bacteria and viruses activity
Use of a model Spread of infectious disease activity
Skill area 3 LSS: Delving deeper into an
article in the ‘second glance’ - students
get information from an article about TB.
8
9
10
11
October 2008
Microbe sex activity
Review Activity, exam style question on HIV.
An investigation of a new disease. Use of epidemiology,
and clinical evidence to find cause. (could be modelled
on SARS or legionnaire’s)
* New activities which will be available soon