The Science of Thyroid Cancer
Understand thyroid cancer mechanisms
This lesson dives into the biological mechanisms behind thyroid cancer, focusing on cell growth and mutation. Students will engage in discussions, watch an educational video, and participate in hands-on activities to explore these concepts. This lesson is critical as it provides foundational knowledge about cancer and the importance of cellular health.
5th and 7th Grade Students
Understand thyroid cancer mechanisms
Post-it notes, Pens, Worksheets, Discussion prompts, and Exit ticket
- Welcome students to the lesson and briefly introduce the topic of thyroid cancer.
- Provide a high-level overview of what will be covered: cell growth, mutations, and how these lead to cancer.
Step 2
Video Viewing
7 mins
- Inform students that they will watch a video explaining the basics of cancer and cell mutations.
- Play the selected video on cancer and cell mutations.
- Ask students to note down any new terms or concepts they find interesting or confusing.
Step 3
Guided Discussion
10 mins
- Discuss the terms and concepts noted by students during the video.
- Use discussion prompts to delve deeper into how cells grow and mutate.
- Encourage students to ask questions and express their thoughts.
Step 4
Hands-On Activity
15 mins
- Students will participate in a hands-on activity where they simulate cell growth and mutations using colored beads or paper cutouts.
- Divide students into small groups and provide them with materials.
- Guide them through the activity, explaining each step and how it corresponds to real biological processes.
Step 5
Discussion and Q&A
5 mins
- Reconvene as a class and ask each group to share what they learned from the activity.
- Encourage questions and further exploration of the topic.
- Distribute exit tickets to students with a few short questions to assess their understanding of the lesson.
- Collect the exit tickets as students leave the class.
