Features five activities for helping students understand key concepts about cancer -- that "cancer" is a group of more than 100 diseases, that it develops due to loss of control of cell growth, that it is a multistep process, & more. The relationship between biomedical research & improvements in health are examined, as are advances in cancer research made. (NIH)
Type of Material:
This site is a PDF presentation about the general information about cancer development and treatment.
Recommended Uses:
Information is presented in video and text. Instructor resources include worksheets that are designed for in-class use but can easily be adapted for homeowork. Resources also include discussion prompts for in-class discussions.
Technical Requirements:
The technical requirements for the use of this site are an Internet browser (Chrome or Firefox), and the ability to open and view PDF files. Flash or Quicktime are required.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
From the site:
Cancer is a group of more than 100 diseases that develop across time. Cancer can develop in virtually any of the body's tissues, and both hereditary and environmental factors contribute to its development.
The growth and differentiation of cells in the body normally are precisely regulated; this regulation is fundamental to the orderly process of development that we observe across the life spans of multicellular organisms. Cancer develops due to the loss of growth control in cells. Loss of control occurs as a result of mutations in genes that are involved in cell cycle control.
No single event is enough to turn a cell into a cancerous cell. Instead, it seems that the accumulation of damage to a number of genes ("multiple hits") across time leads to cancer.
Scientists use systematic and rigorous criteria to evaluate claims about factors associated with cancer. Consumers can evaluate such claims by applying criteria related to the source, certainty, and reasonableness of the supporting information.
We can use our understanding of the science of cancer to improve personal and public health. Translating our understanding of science into public policy can raise a variety of issues, such as the degree to which society should govern the health practices of individuals. Such issues often involve a tension between the values of preserving personal and public health and preserving individual freedom and autonomy.
Target Student Population:
High School and Introductory Level College
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
A minimal understanding of cells and the cell cycle.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The material in this module is well organized and accurate for the information presented
The learning objectives are clearly stated
This presentation includes graphics and statistical data that help reinforce the material
This module includes a glossary that helps clarify all medical and biological terms
Concerns:
The resource is a bit dated - originally created in 1999 and updated in 2012. The information is still valid, but more current research is not included.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The instructor guide helps instructors use this material effectively and easily.
The site helps students understand both the details of the process (the link between the cell cycle and cancer) as well as broader conceptual understanding (evaulating claims about sunscreen).
The individual modules are independent which allows the instructor to only assign one without difficulty.
The module includes suggested demonstrations for instructors to help make the information interactive and exciting
Concerns:
At the time of this review, there were no concerns about the potential effectiveness of this material
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The instructor manual includes ideas and assignment that can easily be implemented.
The student-facing website is easy to navigate and the purpose of each portion is clear without any additional instructions from the instructor.
The information is complete and comprehensive and can function as a stand alone presentation.
Any technical or biological terms or concepts are clearly explained
Concerns:
There were no concerns about the ease of use of this presentation
Creative Commons:
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