Teacher Lesson Plans

The following lesson plans are found in the first unit of the NCABR Rx for Science Literacy: The What, Where, How and Why of Health Science Research K-12 teacher manual. For more information about this resource, see Publications and Other Resources. Ordering information for the Rx for Science Literacy manual is below.

For All Grade Levels

1. How Observant Are You? (download Word document)
   Students test how observant they are in this lesson, which addresses the importance of observation and attention to detail in science.
   
   
2. Heart Throbs (download Word document)
   Students explore the effects of various activities on their heart rates in this lesson, which is intended to show how different amounts and kinds of activities cause the heart to beat at different rates.
   
   
3. The Heart Stopper (download Word document)
   Students learn about the relationship between the heart and blood vessels by creating a simple pump system that simulates a heart attack by creating a blockage in the arteries feeding the heart.
   
   
4. Human Clinical Studies (download Word document)
   Students gather and examine newspaper advertisements for research studies involving humans in this lesson, which is designed to make students aware that research studies involve humans as well as animals.
   
   
5. Did You or Will You Ever? (download Word document)
   Students respond to a poll about activities influenced by biomedical research in this lesson, which is designed to make students aware of the relevance and importance of biomedical research.

For Select Grade Levels

1. Itchy Sleep Disease – For grades K-5. (download Word document)
   Students see the scientific method in action as it applies to the use of animals in biomedical research. This lesson is designed to introduce students to the experimental stage of the research process.
   
   
2. What is a Scientist? – For grades K-8. (download Word document)
   Students create descriptions and drawings to illustrate their concepts of a scientist in this lesson, which is designed to reinforce the idea that scientists are people too, and that a career in science is an attainable goal for anyone.
   
   
3. Team IDEA Webbing – For grades 3-12. (download Word document)
   Students create a concept map or idea web incorporating what they know about biomedical research. This can be used as a pre-assessment or post-assessment activity.
   
   
4. What A Difference Biomedical Research Makes – For grades 3-12. (download Word document)
   Students interpret, analyze and evaluate graphs related to the occurrences of various diseases in the United States.
   
   
5. Cholera and the Scientific Method – For grades 5-12. (download Word document)
   Students act as epidemiologists and use the scientific method to track the containment source of cholera.
   
   
6. How About A Classroom Epidemic – For grades 6-12. (download Word document)
   Students experience the ease with which microorganisms can be passed from hand to hand in casual contact in this lesson, which is designed to show students how some diseases can be passed from person to person.
   
   
7. Who Can Cure Our Mystery Disease? – For grades 6-12. (download Word document)
   Students act as biomedical researchers and investigate a mysterious disease in this lesson, which is designed to review the different methods available to biomedical scientists, including the strengths and limitations of each method.
   
   
8. You Choose the Test! – For grades 6-12. (download Word document)
   Students are asked to decide which types of tests they would use to assess the safety and effectiveness of the various products with which they come into contact on a daily basis. This lesson reinforces the types of testing scientists use to assure the safety of prescription drugs, personal care products (e.g., sunscreen, household cleaners, etc.).
   

How to order the Rx for Science Literacy teacher manual:
To order the Rx for Science Literacy manual, call NCABR at 919.785.1304 or mail a completed order form with your check to: NCABR, P.O. Box 19469, Raleigh, NC 27619-9469.

Please make checks payable to the North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research.

Teachers can receive the manual for free by attending an NCABR Rx for Science Literacy teacher workshop. For more information, check out NCABR’s Professional Development information online, or call NCABR at 919.785.1304.

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