U1 Cancer

Statement of Inquiry:
Transforming the storage and reproduction of information has consequences that change
relationships and allow innovations in science and medicine

Key Concept:
Systems- The body is a complex system made up of cells as the primary building blocks, when
cells are dividing dysfunctionally, as in the case of cancer, it can lead to negative consequences
for an organism's health.

Related Concept:
Transformation- A single cell can divide to become an exact copy OR a mix of genetic
information. Any changes in the process can transform a healthy body cell into a cancerous
tumor, an egg or sperm, or even a new species.

Relationships-
cell division is a part of the cell cycle that under particular conditions leads to the development
of cancer.

This unit focused on cellular reproduction. Students studied the structure of DNA and how it is
replicated and divided during the different stages of Mitosis and Meiosis. Students also studied
the Cell Cycle and how mutations of genes and checkpoint malfunctions can lead to Cancer.
Students researched different types of cancer in order to study how science is used to diagnose
and treat these cancers.

Formative Assessment
I did a criterion A (knowing and understanding) test about mitosis and the cell. Before the test
we did practice worksheets in class about what we learnt to prepare for the test

Summative Assessment
This is the criterion D(reflecting on the impact of science) summative assessment. We had to do
a presentation or video about a type of cancer chosen.
Check out my summative assessment here
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DeJ26kX5ggqu4EpLx7hmUirU4a8A_yDM87457ouNt_c
/edit?usp=sharing

Reflection
In this unit I learnt about cancer and the cell. I learnt about mitosis, meiosis, DNA, and how it
can be cancerous. I also learnt about different types of cancer treatments and how it's
diagnosed. I enjoyed learning about cancer because it is a topic that I can relate to because
many people suffer from this and I’ve been told not to do particular things that can lead to
cancer. What challenged me the most is learning about DNA. The DNA is a complicated
structure that is hard to understand.