Baby Doe v. The Prenatal Clinic: When Cell Division Goes Awry
- Author:
- Norris Armstrong
- Subject:
- Science and Technology, Social Sciences
- Institution Name:
- National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
- Collection:
- Case Study Teaching in Science
- Grade Level:
- Post-secondary
- Grade Sub-Level:
- Community College - Lower Division, College - Upper Division
- Abstract:
In this fictionalized story, John and Jane, whose new baby is born with Down syndrome, are suing the prenatal clinic where Jane received her care, blaming the clinic for the baby's condition. Designed for an introductory biology course, this "clicker case" has students assume the role of an expert witness hired by a law firm to give evidence in the case. To help determine the cause of "Baby Doe's" condition and whether anyone can be held responsible for it, students need to help the jury understand the process of cell division. In particular, they must explain the behavior of the chromosomes during cell division and how errors in this process can result in conditions such as Down syndrome. The case is presented in class using PowerPoint slides (~1.8 MB) that are punctuated by multiple-choice questions the students respond to using hand-held personal response systems, or clickers. It could be adapted for use without these technologies.
- Languages:
- English
- Material Type:
- Activities and Labs, Lesson Plans
- Media Format:
- Text/HTML, Downloadable docs
- Conditions of Use:
- Read the fine print
- Copyright Holder:
- National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo
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