Alzheimer’s Disease: Piecing Together the Evidence

Launch Interactive
Topic
Resource Type
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
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16 Users
Description

This interactive module allows students to examine evidence from brain anatomy, tissue histology, and genetic studies to identify possible targets for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease affects one out of nine individuals over the age of 65 in the United States alone, but currently has no treatment. In this Click & Learn, students analyze and interpret evidence from different fields to learn about the biology of Alzheimer’s disease and the molecules it involves. They also engage in scientific questioning, data analysis, and evaluation of evidence to suggest possible treatments.

The accompanying worksheet guides students’ exploration.

Student Learning Targets
  • Analyze data and evaluate evidence to build an understanding of the biological mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Identify the biological molecules associated with Alzheimer’s disease and use this information to suggest a possible treatment.
Details
Estimated Time
Two 50-minute class periods.
Key Terms

aging, amyloid precursor protein (APP), autosomal dominant inheritance, beta amyloid (β-amyloid), brain, dementia, drug development, memory, pedigree chart, tau protein

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level

The documents for this resource meet accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published
Date Updated
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1-2, HS-LS3-1; SEP1, SEP4

AP Biology (2019)

IST-1.I, IST-1.O, IST-1.P, IST-2.E, IST-3.A, IST-4.A, IST-4.B, SYI-1.B, SYI-1.C; SP1, SP2, SP3

IB Biology (2016)

2.6, 3.1, 3.4, B.4

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.2, ELA.RST.9–12.4, ELA.WHST.9-12.9
Math..S-ID.3; MP2

Vision and Change (2009)

CC3, CC5; DP1, DP6

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