General Amherst High School
Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, N9V 1Z8

Parenting Research Project

Birth Defects

Introduction

Just as the types of birth defects differ, so do the causes of birth defects. Some are inherited from one or both parents; others are caused by factors in the environment. Researchers believe that most birth defects result from a combination of environment and heredity. However, the exact causes of many birth defects are not yet fully understood. Some seem to happen totally by chance - not caused by any environmental exposure, physiological condition and not inherited.

Instructions

Use the link provided to locate books in the library for this research assignment. First, you and a partner will research one birth defect from the list below. You will be responsible for the following: a written report that answers all of the questions posed, a static display which includes key information which will be distributed to the rest of the class so that they can follow along with you and your partner during your oral report. The information sheet may include questions for the class to answer based on your report, crossword puzzles which would provide definitions and facts based on your topic or simply a sheet containing information.

Part A: Written Report (60 marks - Thinking & Inquiry)

NOTE: Pages that are simply printed from the internet and handed in as your own will not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero for the written portion of the assignment. Any information you obtain from the internet, magazines, newspapers or books must be cited and identified within your report using the APA style. American Psychological Association Citation Examples.

For the written report you are responsible for the following information:

Birth Defects in General

1. Identify what a "birth defect" is (2 marks).
2. Identify at least three environmental factors that can influence the development of a baby (3marks).
3. Explain the role of heredity in birth defects (3 marks).

The Specific Birth Defect You Are Researching

1. Provide a detailed description of the physical features of an individual with the birth defect you are researching (5 marks).
2. Provide a detailed description of the cognitive or mental characteristics of an individual with the birth defect you are researching (5 marks).
3. What is the suspected cause of the birth defect you are researching? Identify any factors that increase the risk of a baby being born with the birth defect (3 marks).
4. When and how is the birth defect most often detected (i.e. Ultrasound, amniocentesis, at birth)? (2 marks)
5. Indicate how many babies are born with the birth defect each year in either Canda or the United States (2 marks).
6. Identify and explain any known treatments for the birth defect (2 marks).
7. What is the outlook for the future of a child with the birth defect? (i.e. How well are they expected to perform in school and the workforce?) What is the average learning level of an individual with the birth defect? (3 marks)
8. Provide a vocabulary list of ten words associated with the birth defect you are researching (5 marks)
9. Locate two case studies of families who have experienced the birth of a child with the birth defect and write a 2 - 3 paragraph personal response for each case study. Note that this is not a summary of the case study, but a brief explanation of the situation, followed by your thoughts and feelings concerning the people involved (10 marks x 2 = 20 marks). ***Each partner is responsible for their own personal response, therefore your project would include four, 2-3 paragraph responses. One response for each case study from each person.***
10. Finally, each partner is responsible for a final personal reflection on what you have learned from researching the topic and how, if at all, your new found knowledge has changed your views on having children or on children and families with birth defects (5 marks).

Part B: Static Display (5 marks - Application, 5 marks - Communication)

Part C: Oral Report (15 marks - Communication, 10 marks - Knowledge & Understanding, 5 marks - Application)

Part D: Information Sheet (10 marks - Communication, 5 marks - Application)

Part E: Bibliography (5 marks - Application)

Total Marks: __________/120