Student Resources
Teacher Resources

Fear of the Unknown:

Parasites

Research Scenario

In today's society there are many forms of disease, some of which are well documented and are caused by heredity, lifestyle factors, and environmental hazards. However, there is one plague currently affecting about 80% of all Americans- parasites and parasitic infection. Humans can actually play host to more than a hundred types of parasites that may live in every part of our bodies!

Parasites cause symptoms including:

  • gas & bloating
  • chest pain & back pain
  • bed wetting, diarrhea, or constipation
  • drooling, numb hands, and blurry vision
  • problems with the menstrual cycle
  • forgetfulness & slow reflexes

Do you want to know how to prevent these parasites from invading your body?

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can parasite infection be avoided through the use of common health practices?

Task and Product

You will be researching one parasite from one of the following groups:

  • Intestinal/Foodborne Parasites
  • Bloodborne Parasites
  • Environmental Parasites

You will use the information from your research to create a product/presentation to inform your school community about this parasite and how to avoid infection. Select your final product from the list below and include the following information:

  • Specific information on your parasite including the common geographic areas it inhabits.
  • Cause of the parasite infection & life cycle of infection.
  • Signs, symptoms, and complications to the infections.
  • Treatment of the infections.
  • Health practices to follow to prevent parasitic infections.

Product Options:

  • Brochure
  • Oral Report with Visuals
  • Wiki web page
  • Poster
  • PowerPoint Presentation
  • Video PSA
  • Other Ideas? (Please check with your teacher first!)

Assessments

 The following scoring tools may be used or adapted by your teacher to evaluate your research process and your final product and presentation.

Research Process Assessments:

Teacher note: To facilitate the collaborative nature of this project, consider creating a project-based wiki or using another collaborative Web 2.0 tool (VoiceThread, MindMeister, Groupsite.com, etc.) to use as a workspace. For further help/suggestions, see your Library Media Specialist or visit http://bcpslibraryinformationservices.pbworks.com/.

Final Product Assessments: 

Questions

 Essential Question:

How can parasite infection be avoided through the use of common health practices?

Subsidiary Questions:

1. What is the cause of the parasite?

2. What is the life cycle of the parasite?

3. In what geographical area are people affected by this parasite?

4. What are the signs and symptoms of the parasitic infection? Any other complications?

5. How is the parasitic infection treated?

6. What health practices would prevent this type of parasitic infection?

Gather , Sort, and Cite

Gather information from a variety of sources.

Sort your research findings using the following chart or a graphic organizer of your choice.

Gather information from a variety of sources.

Sort your findings using a graphic organizer, note cards, outline, word document, or other form for recording your research.

Cite your sources to avoid plagiarism.

Be sure to apply ethical and responsible use of information and remember to cite your references.

 

Organize

Analyze your research notes to determine if you have answered the essential question.

How can parasite infection be controlled through the use of common health practices?

Synthesize your findings by creating a first draft of your product.

  • What new insights have emerged about your topic?
  • Which facts are the most compelling and would have the greatest impact on your audience?

Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task.

  • What information did you gather that you do not need for the product?
  • Have you gathered sufficient details about your parasite and its impact on humans in order to create your end product?
  • Is your research reflected in the content of your end product?
  • Are you ready to create the final version of your product?

Conclusion

Presentation:

Create one of the products assigned by your teacher. Use your chart or graphic organizer to help you prepare your product. Check the scoring tool for your individual product to ensure that you meet all requirements.

Reflection:

After reviewing the presentations, respond to the following BCR question. Be sure to support your answer with notes from the class presentations and your graphic organizer.

Which type of parasite do you find most threatening to you or a member of your family? Explain why the parasite could be a threat and how to successfully prevent the infection through good health practices.

Consult the scoring tool for your BCR response.