An investigation into the molecular basis of sickle cell disease
This unit will introduce students to the genetic disease, sickle cell anemia. Students will analyze and develop questions about the disease while looking at blood smear for healthy and sickle patients.
Throughout the unit, students will analyze pieces of evidence (collected and provided data sets) to answer their questions and eventually come to understand the mechanism of sickle cell anemia.
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Learning Objectives
Standards Alignments + Connections
Introductory Phenomenon
Students are introduced to these two blood smears and develop initial questions.
(Download Both Images Above)
Questions may include:
Why are there more red blood cells in sample 1 than in sample 2?
Why are there more white blood cells in sample 2 than in sample 1?
Why are there red blood cells that aren’t circles in sample 2?
Activities to Gather Evidence
The Mystery of the Crooked Cell was written by Donald A. DeRosa and B. Leslie Wolfe and adapted by Learning Undefeated.
Students will perform protein purification using column chromatography to gain a greater understanding of the biomanufacturing process of going from a cell to a protein to a product.
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In this challenge, students will practice problem-solving and collaboration skills as they design, build, and test their wind turbine
prototypes. Students will explore the role of renewable energy in powering communities, learn about energy transfer and mechanical systems, and gain insight into the importance of sustainable energy solutions.
