Hello 7th grade science students!

Why does this cat have too many toes?

I hope this page will provide a great start to your library research about genetic disorders as part of your classroom studies about genes. This unit includes learning about how each human cell holds the keys to life including chromosomes and DNA. It's when things go wrong with genes that genetic disorders occur. It is important to know that there are two kinds of genetic mistakes: those that can be inherited and those that are one-time accidents and are not passed along. Down syndrome is an example showing both kinds of genetic mistakes.

Locate your genetic disorder topic in the list at upper right. Write your topic and subtopics on the research Checklist. Take good Cornell-style notes using the following subtopics:


Causes: Describe the genetic problem that causes your disorder. Do not confuse genetic causes of your disorder (things you're born with) with risk factors, or triggers, for your disorder (things that happen to you after you're born).
Symptoms: Can be physical, mental, emotional, or even hidden!
Treatments: Can include tests, medications, physical therapy, diet, exercise

You can use Son of Citation Machine to write citations for each source of information. Then you may copy/paste each citation into a Works Cited (example) page. After you complete your research, perhaps you'll have time to respond to the questions below. Also, here is a great Web site to take a journey through genetics and another called "Kids Health" where you can have fun learning more about health and your body.