Doctor for a Day

Summary

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the heart, lungs, and skin, by explaining the symptoms and results for a patient if one of these organs were to fail somehow. They will also assess symptoms, identify the organ/system involved and describe the resulting impact on the body.

Materials

• group assignments handout (attached)
• overhead of systems (attached)
• student sheet (attached)
• computer Lab
• textbooks
• hat

Background for Teachers

Brief Activity Description:
In small groups, students will research symptoms, results, and treatment for a patient if a specific organ were to fail. They will write a "case study" of a fictitious patient that will be used by other groups in the classroom. All groups will trade studies and find the problem and results for their "patient."

Safety/Security Issues:
Be sure students treat computers with respect and sign out any computers that are being used. At the end of the class period be sure all computers are accounted for.

Instructional Procedures

1. Make a copy of Group Assignments. Cut out each individual assignment and place them in a hat or can of some sort. Prepare the Overhead. Make enough copies for your students of the student sheets.
2. Schedule computer lab time or check out Intel Mobile Lab for at least 2 days.
3. After students have settled into class, as a hook, begin to tell them you haven't been feeling yourself the last little while. Describe the symptoms on the overhead as if they were your own. (A note of caution: Do not do this in a mocking manner, there is a high likelihood one of your students will have diabetes) This may spark discussion some students may even know what the problem is. Explain to students that they will be doctors for the next couple days.
4. Pass out student sheets. Allow students to read over the background information, purpose and procedures. Review the overhead with students as an example.
5. Divide students into groups.
6. Have each group pick an assignment from a hat.
7. Provide students with time to research and complete their assignment.

Assessment Plan

Sample Scoring Guide:

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.