Evolutionary Medicine

Classroom Activities

Day 1

Introduce the concept of a proportional relationship by using the following structure.

Warm-up: Have students look at tables of equivalent ratios. (the students should be familiar with the concept of equivalent ratios from 6^th grade) The students will learn that all values in one column can be obtained by multiplying values in the other column by the same number. They will identify this number as the constant of proportionality.

Activities: The students will begin to understand proportional relationships by exploring real-world examples of ratios and proportions (e.g., recipes, maps). They will have two or more tasks to read and complete within their groups.

Sample tasks:

1. A recipe says that 2 cups of dry rice will serve six people. Complete the table as you answer the questions.

   cups of rice	number of people
   2	6
   3	9
   10
   	45

   1. How many people will 10 cups of rice serve?
   2. How many cups of rice are needed to serve 45 people?
2. A recipe says that 6 spring rolls will serve 3 people. Complete the table.

To encourage and support opportunities for peer interactions. Have students talk about their ideas with a partner then write them down. It helps to display sentence frames to support students when they explain their strategy. For example, “First, I _____ because _____. Then, I….,” “I noticed _____ so I….,” and “I tried _____ and what happened was….” The students should be prepared to share their strategies.

Lesson synthesis: Ask the students a series of questions related to the tasks they completed to ensure they are beginning to understand the term “constant of proportionality”.

Cool Down: The students will complete a table of values and should be able to identify the proportional relationship represented by the table, the constant of proportionality represented by the table, and what the constant of proportionality represents.

Day 2

Introduce Medicine Dosage by using the following structure.

Warm-up: Complete a notice and wonder type activity of different medicine labels

Activities:

1.  Introduce the concept of medicine dosing, have students use the labels to write ratios that correspond to the amount of medicine in one dose and the consistency of when it should be taken. For example: one tablet every 4 hours; two tablets every 6 hours, etc. The students should calculate other given ratios that are equivalent to their dosing schedule.
2. The students will answer questions that determine the maximum dosage, and how many doses a person can take in a specific period without overdosing.

Lesson Synthesis: Ask the students a series of questions that relate to the task, specifically questions about the correct dose one should use.

Cool Down: Give students a task that will have them complete a dosing table, and then determine what amount would be considered over the maximum dosage.

Day 3 and 4

Using a warm-up, introduce Medicine Dosing for adults. Through a series of activities, have students calculate medicine dosages for adults using ratios and proportions. Be sure to discuss standard dosages for common medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Introduce units of measurement such as milligrams (mg) and, milliliters (ml). Students can also practice dosage calculations using real-world examples. You can allow them to use a syringe and a cup of water as a simulation. As a formative assessment, have them complete a worksheet with dosing problems for adults.

Day 5 and 6

Using a warm-up, introduce Medicine Dosing for infants and children. Explain why infants require different dosages. Be sure to discuss factors influencing infant dosing such as weight, age, and metabolism. Introduce pediatric dosing charts and guidelines. Through a series of activities, have students calculate medicine doses for infants and children using ratios and proportions. Be sure to discuss standard dosages for common medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Introduce units of measurement such as milligrams (mg) and, milliliters (ml). Students can also practice dosage calculations using real-world examples. You can allow them to use a syringe and a cup of water as a simulation. As a formative assessment, have them complete a worksheet with dosing problems for infants and children.

Day 7

Using a warm-up, compare and analyze medicine dosing for adults, infants, and children. This would be a great “what do I notice”, “what do I wonder” activity. Review dosing calculations for adults, infants, and children. Then through a series of activities, compare dosing through ratios and proportions. Discuss the importance of accuracy and safety in dosing for adults, infants, and children. As a formative assessment, the students should complete a group activity in groups of no more than three students each. They will analyze scenarios of incorrect dosing using error analysis and should provide the correct dose for each scenario.

Day 8

The students will problem-solve with Ratios and Proportions. After a brief warm-up, reviewing ratios the students will apply what they have learned about ratios and proportions to solving complex dosage problems. Begin with practice problems involving medicine dosing for adults, infants, and children, then briefly discuss strategies for preventing dosing errors in various settings such as homes and hospitals. Finally, challenge students with scenarios requiring critical thinking. These could include situations where a child's age and weight is not on the dosing label or a child is just under or close to the age and weight listed on the label. If time allows give the students a problem-solving worksheet with complex dosage scenarios. This worksheet could also be used as a homework assignment.

Day 9

The students will design a dosage chart for a specific medication, considering both adult and pediatric dosing. The students will work in groups of three for this activity. I will begin the activity by reviewing previous lessons taught on dosage calculations, and then guide students in designing a dosage chart using ratios. If time allows, I will have each group present their dosage charts to the class, or have them present and use it as a formative assessment.

Day 10

I will assess students' ability to calculate medicine doses accurately and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios using a written assessment with problems related to calculating doses for adults, infants, and children using ratios and proportions. This summative assessment will include Real-world scenarios where students must solve dosage problems accurately, multiple-choice questions on basic concepts, short answer questions requiring calculations, and scenario-based questions requiring detailed explanations and solutions.