Alzheimer’s Disease: Piecing Together the Evidence

Resource Type
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.
Estimated Time
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 (WCAG compliance)
Version History
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