Radon and Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer type, after breast cancer. The number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers is exposure to the element radon. In Radon and Lung Cancer students learn about the dangers of radon, the different subtypes of lung cancer, and the radon mitigation systems that can be implemented.

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Learning Objectives

Students will know

What radon is and where it is found
What a biomarker is
Strategies to reduce radon levels
What cancer is and that there are subtypes of each cancer

Students will understand

Radon is an environmental factor that can cause lung cancer
Diagnoses can be made using specific biomarkers for that cell type
False positives

Students will be able to

Diagnose patients from provided ELISA data with small cell or non-small cell lung cancer
Evaluate the patient diagnosis in addition to environmental factors to provide recommendations for house repairs.

Standards Alignments + Connections

Next Generation Science Standards Connections

MS-LS3-1. Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.

MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Connections

8.11(B) explore how short- and long-term environmental changes affect organisms and traits in subsequent populations.

Louisiana Standards for Science Connections

8-MS-LS3-1. Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.

Unit Plan

Pre-Laboratory Engagement

Pre-Laboratory Engagement (45-60 minutes)

Students will read about radon and where it is found.
Students will complete the corresponding reading worksheet.
Students will read the US News Article “Does Radon Exposure Cause Lung Cancer”
Students will complete the corresponding reading worksheet

Laboratory Exploration

Laboratory Activity (45 minutes)

Students will watch “Radon and Lung Cancer Video 1” (04:59)
Students will complete Part I and II of the student worksheet.
Students will watch “Radon and Lung Cancer Video 2” (12:07)
Students will complete Part III and IV of the student worksheet.
Students will watch the “Radon and Lung Cancer Walk Through video” (31:18)
This will guide students through the student handout. This can be provided before or after students submit their work.

Post-Laboratory Extension

Post-Laboratory Extension (30-60 minutes)

Students will act as a consultant for home repairs for two of the patients using this worksheet.
Students can watch this video explaining each of the radon mitigation options or read this article outlining radon reduction methods to inform their decision.

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