Parasite Predicament (Classroom)

How do you know when you have a disease? What kinds of tests can doctors use to help diagnose diseases and infections? Parasite Predicament is an activity that explores the immune system and how antibodies can be used for disease detection. Students will learn how antibodies are used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and will determine whether or not their patient has contracted the malaria parasite.

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Learning Objectives

Students will know

The purpose of the immune system
Difference between innate and adaptive immunity
About antigens and their relationship to pathogens
Real life examples of antigens and antibodies in relation to malaria

Students will understand

The different components that make up the immune system
The antibody antigen relationship

Students will be able to

Construct scientific explanations that predict patterns between malaria and Sickle Cell Disease
Gather data from an investigation to detect the presence of the Plasmodium parasite
Develop and use a model to explain how an ELISA test can detect the presence of the Plasmodium parasite
Identify plans needed to contain the outbreak of an infectious disease

Standards Alignments + Connections

Next Generation Science Standards Connections

HS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms

HS-LS2-8: Evaluate evidence for the role of group behavior on individual species’ chances to survive and reproduce

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Connections

BIOL.9(A): Compare the functions of different types of biomolecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

BIOL.10(A): Describe the interactions that occur among systems that perform the functions of regulation, nutrient absorption, reproduction, and defense from injury or illness in animals

BIOL.12(A): Interpret relationships, including predation, parasitism, commensalism, mutualism, and competition, among organisms

Louisiana Standards for Science Connections

HS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms

HS-LS2-8: Evaluate evidence for the role of group behavior on individual species’ chances to survive and reproduce.

Unit Plan

Pre-Laboratory Engagement (30 min)

Students will Watch Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Immunity Explained by Science ABC (7:10) and complete a background worksheet on the immune system.
Students will Watch Antibodies-An Introduction (3:00) and complete the student worksheet.
The worksheet asks students to create a diagram to show the antibody-antigen relationship. This video can be provided as a guide.

Laboratory Exploration (30 min)

Students watch the introductory lab video “Parasite Predicament Part One” (5:05)Students will complete Part I of the student handout.
Students will watch the lab video “Parasite Predicament Part Two” (6:53)Students will complete Part II, III, and IV of the student handout. Students can also be supplemented with this result.
Students may use the worksheet walkthrough (10:25) to help them answer the questions and learn the material. Video can be supplied before or after student work is submitted.

Post-Laboratory Extension (30 - 45 min)

Students will play one of the games from Solve the Outbreak available from the CDC. This game has students investigate different disease outbreaks and use clues to track how each outbreak started.
Then students will complete the activity Outbreak!: COVID-19 to devise an action plan to contain the disease’s spread.

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