Students analyze medical histories and karyotypes to diagnose genetic and environmental birth defects.
This digital biology lesson places students in the role of medical professionals diagnosing birth defects using real data sources and structured reasoning. Students analyze karyotypes and medical records to determine whether conditions result from chromosomal abnormalities or prenatal exposure to teratogens.
Rather than learning about birth defects through isolated facts, students apply genetics and developmental biology concepts in an authentic diagnostic context.
Students begin by reviewing:
• placental diffusion
• the difference between mutagens and teratogens
They then work through guided instruction on:
• common teratogens
• how prenatal exposure affects development
• how to identify chromosomal syndromes using a karyotype key
Students complete a series of case studies involving 10 infants with birth defects. For each case, they:
• examine medical forms and exposure histories
• analyze a karyotype
• identify the syndrome or condition
• determine whether the cause is chromosomal or teratogenic
• justify their conclusion using evidence
• Placental diffusion
• Mutagens vs. teratogens
• Prenatal development
• Chromosomal disorders
• Karyotype analysis
• Evidence-based diagnosis
• Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER)
• Connects genetics to real medical scenarios
• Builds analytical and reasoning skills
• Reinforces karyotype interpretation
• Supports inquiry and problem-solving
• Encourages evidence-based thinking
• Works for guided instruction or independent practice
• Minimal prep required
This resource is a digital interactive lesson (Google Slides compatible).
Includes:
✔ Student case files
✔ Karyotype reference key
✔ Guided diagnostic prompts
✔ Teacher answer key
✔ Exit ticket
Students should already know how to read and interpret karyotypes before completing this lesson.
• High school biology
• Genetics and heredity units
• Human reproduction and development
• Biomedical or medical science courses
• Case-based instruction
• Sub plans or digital learning days
To preview this lesson, click here
Grade & Course Recommendation:
High School:Grades 9–11 biology or human anatomy/health science unit on reproduction and development.
Cross-Curricular Connections:
Health Science Integration: Links to prenatal care, genetic counseling, and environmental health.
ELA Integration: Students interpret case studies and construct written diagnostic reasoning.
Ethics & Social Studies Integration: Discussion of medical ethics and prevention strategies.
HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
HS-LS3-2: Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from new genetic combinations through meiosis, errors during replication, and/or mutations caused by environmental factors.
HS-LS3-3: Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.
HS-LS1-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life.
HS-ETS1-3: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs. (connection: analyzing the ethics and societal implications of prenatal diagnosis and medical interventions)
Science & Engineering Practices: Analyzing and interpreting data; Constructing explanations; Engaging in argument from evidence.
Crosscutting Concepts: Cause and effect; Systems and system models; Stability and change.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.1 / RST.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (connection: using case studies and karyotype data to support conclusions about genetic or environmental causes of birth defects)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4 / RST.11-12.4: Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific context. (connection: interpreting vocabulary like “teratogen,” “mutagen,” and “chromosomal abnormality”)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts, including scientific analyses or technical explanations. (connection: written explanation or exit ticket describing how a particular defect develops)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 / SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions on complex scientific topics, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (connection: group analysis of cases or ethical debates on medical technologies)
Students analyze medical histories and karyotypes to diagnose genetic and environmental birth defects.
This digital biology lesson places students in the role of medical professionals diagnosing birth defects using real data sources and structured reasoning. Students analyze karyotypes and medical records to determine whether conditions result from chromosomal abnormalities or prenatal exposure to teratogens.
Rather than learning about birth defects through isolated facts, students apply genetics and developmental biology concepts in an authentic diagnostic context.
Students begin by reviewing:
• placental diffusion
• the difference between mutagens and teratogens
They then work through guided instruction on:
• common teratogens
• how prenatal exposure affects development
• how to identify chromosomal syndromes using a karyotype key
Students complete a series of case studies involving 10 infants with birth defects. For each case, they:
• examine medical forms and exposure histories
• analyze a karyotype
• identify the syndrome or condition
• determine whether the cause is chromosomal or teratogenic
• justify their conclusion using evidence
• Placental diffusion
• Mutagens vs. teratogens
• Prenatal development
• Chromosomal disorders
• Karyotype analysis
• Evidence-based diagnosis
• Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER)
• Connects genetics to real medical scenarios
• Builds analytical and reasoning skills
• Reinforces karyotype interpretation
• Supports inquiry and problem-solving
• Encourages evidence-based thinking
• Works for guided instruction or independent practice
• Minimal prep required
This resource is a digital interactive lesson (Google Slides compatible).
Includes:
✔ Student case files
✔ Karyotype reference key
✔ Guided diagnostic prompts
✔ Teacher answer key
✔ Exit ticket
Students should already know how to read and interpret karyotypes before completing this lesson.
• High school biology
• Genetics and heredity units
• Human reproduction and development
• Biomedical or medical science courses
• Case-based instruction
• Sub plans or digital learning days
To preview this lesson, click here
Grade & Course Recommendation:
High School:Grades 9–11 biology or human anatomy/health science unit on reproduction and development.
Cross-Curricular Connections:
Health Science Integration: Links to prenatal care, genetic counseling, and environmental health.
ELA Integration: Students interpret case studies and construct written diagnostic reasoning.
Ethics & Social Studies Integration: Discussion of medical ethics and prevention strategies.
HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
HS-LS3-2: Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from new genetic combinations through meiosis, errors during replication, and/or mutations caused by environmental factors.
HS-LS3-3: Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.
HS-LS1-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life.
HS-ETS1-3: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs. (connection: analyzing the ethics and societal implications of prenatal diagnosis and medical interventions)
Science & Engineering Practices: Analyzing and interpreting data; Constructing explanations; Engaging in argument from evidence.
Crosscutting Concepts: Cause and effect; Systems and system models; Stability and change.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.1 / RST.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (connection: using case studies and karyotype data to support conclusions about genetic or environmental causes of birth defects)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4 / RST.11-12.4: Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific context. (connection: interpreting vocabulary like “teratogen,” “mutagen,” and “chromosomal abnormality”)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts, including scientific analyses or technical explanations. (connection: written explanation or exit ticket describing how a particular defect develops)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 / SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions on complex scientific topics, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (connection: group analysis of cases or ethical debates on medical technologies)
