Curricular Portfolio

EDUC 526

Student Information
Nicole Lopez
Azusa Campus
EDUC 526 Capstone Experience in Digital Teaching and Learning
Professor: Jennifer Courdoff
Title: Welcome to the Freak Show: The Narrative, Ethical, and Biological
Implications of Altering Essence
Proposal Submitted: 4/29/14

Type of Project
This is a Humanitas project that combines the core subjects of English, Biology, and
Art. Ninth grade students will learn the ethical implications, both positive and
negative, of genetic manipulation and come to a personal conclusion about the
things they value most about themselves and how they will nurture these things
during their time at ArTES. Through this lesson students will learn inheritance of
traits, DNA structure and function, and the ability to alter the genetic structure of
organisms. Visual art such as paintings and illustrations will be analyzed to learn
how artists used the principals and elements of art and design to express their
political or social view. Using novels, movies, and other media, the students will
learn analysis of the narrative and how to develop a persuasive argument. The
project encourages students to developing their authentic voice, academically and
artistically, while facilitating and developing a self-awareness and value of
individuality in themselves and others.

Goal(s) of the Portfolio
Students will have an understanding of the benefits and consequences of the human
drive to manipulate the environment, other organisms, and even themselves to
fulfill their needs to improve their lives. Students will be able to explain the benefits
and consequences of these alterations using examples taken from art, literature,
television and movies, scientific magazines and experiments, as well as examples
from their own lives.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Portfolio
Students will be able to develop their research-based skills by combining the
use of multi-media, art, and text to develop projects.
Students will be able to examine artwork and understand the impact art has
on society through expression and interpretation.
Students will be able to examine fictional works of literature as a form of
expression.
Students will be able to synthesize what they have learned and develop an
argument on their stance about genetic manipulation.
Students will be able to create a multi-media presentation that presents an
argument using concrete details, references, and examples to support their
argument.

Outline
Taught in 3 different subject areas, simultaneously, for a 10-week duration.

I. Biology
A. Develop an understanding of genes, genetics, and genetic manipulation
B. Research websites
C. App Gene Screen
D. Create a model of DNA structure
E. Interpretive dance or dramatization of genetic manipulation
F. Movie Fed Up
G. Create mini documentary
II. Art
A. Identify artists that use the subject of genetic manipulation in their art
B. Develop political poster
C. Create podcast explaining an artists perspective
D. Create a piece of art with genetic manipulation as the subject and
underlying statement
III. English
A. Write a blog about desirable and undesirable traits of a teenager
B. Vocabulary Powerpoint
C. Read the novel Double Helix
D. Watch the movie Gattaca
E. Create an interview about the meaning/creation behind Gattaca
F. Create a survey and interview students about genetic manipulation
G. Final projects (choice of one)
a. Create a song about genetic manipulate on Garage Band
b. Create a music video about genetic manipulation
c. Develop a short news story about genetic manipulation
d. Create a movie trailer for a movie about genetic manipulation

Key Concepts/APU Courses

EDUC 512 Digital Video. Creating commercials and videos
EDUC 522 Learning in the 21
st
Century
SPED 509 Technology in Special Education

Unit Plan
Attached separately




Resources
Hardware
iPad
Computer
Projector/Apple TV
Video Cameras
Digital Cameras
Microphones
DVD Player

Apps & Software
Blog Docs
Notes on iPad
iMovie
One Search Dictionary
Internet
Google docs
FaceFusion App
Gene Screen App
Edmodo
E-Book
Word Document
Photoshop
Evernote
Electronic spreadsheet
Garageband
Inspiration App




Resources
Websites
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/traits/
http://www.alexisrockman.net/
http://fedupmovie.com/#/page/home
http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/projects/PastProject.aspx?projectId
=2
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/agriculture/problem/ge
netic-engineering/
http://www.nancywerlin.com/downloads/DoubleHelix-Inspiration-DiscussionQs-
Werlin.pdf