Engineering of Global Health

Content Objectives

The International Baccalaureate mission statement begins with the phrase, IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.¹⁰ Since we are an IB candidate school, with a high stress on the implementation of project based learning and in accordance with the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards), our 7^th graders learn about life science using an inquiry based model approach while making global connections. I am concentrating on the following strand, Heredity and Variation of Traits: 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.¹¹ I am also using the National Sexuality Education Standards. The goal of the standards is to provide a clear and consistent core content for sexuality that is developmentally and age appropriate.¹² Research has highlighted the need to provide effective, sexuality education to young people. In my opinion, Chicago has done a wonderful job of putting a curriculum together that addresses these standards.

In their study of this unit, students understand that human cells contain DNA structures that dictate the function of the cell. They understand that mitosis is a cell division process that produces cells that are genetically identical. That at times, mistakes happen during mitosis and that this could be insignificant or extremely significant. They are able to explain what a virus is and how it causes an infection. Also, they are able to make the connection between the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. They understand the importance of vaccines and have an appreciation for the biomedical engineering behind them. Finally, they research and hold a forum on the importance of funding organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, so that they can continue providing cancer prevention services. They also prepare a public service announcement that informs their audience about the importance of getting the HPV vaccine.

My ultimate goal is to teach the NGSS while focusing on Social Justice issues. I want my students to learn the content but to also feel a sense of responsibility to the world around them. I want my students to look at scientific related events with a critical eye and to make any necessary changes needed to make our world a better place to live in.