How do you get IT?

http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/edtec596/Units/media/AidsHIV.html

by

Rhonda Wixom

Introduction

In groups, you will use Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) pamphlets to create a poster for each of the different diseases, then find three sources on the internet to verify the information in the pamplets, one disease per group. Can you find scientific research to support statements in the pamplets? On the last day, now that you know everything about STD's, you will simulate the spread of HIV using test tubes of "simulated body fluids" with one unknown infected test tube. After the simulation and evaluation of your "fluids" is complete you will collect class data and draw conclusions on how quickly the "virus" spread and the discuss the infected person's responsibilities.

The Task

While completing this assignment you will:

Resources

You can find a page with many of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases on the Yahoo Research Page. The listing includes herpes and HIV. Aids research has many sources on the internet, some that you may find interesting are the Doctor's Resource or the Treatment Information Page.

The Process

    Day 1: What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)?

  1. Divide into groups of 4 and determine your disease. You can choose from: Herpes, Genital Warts, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia or HIV/AIDS.
  2. Use the pamphlets to find out the symptoms, causes, preventions and treatments/cures for your disease.
  3. Use the online resourses to verify the information you found in the pamphlet.
  4. Create and informational poster to present your research and present to the class.

    Day 2: Spreading the "Virus"

  1. All students have a test tube of simulated "body fluids". One test tube is "infected" with and indicator (sodium hydroxide).
  2. Students are to transfer body fluids to each other to simulate having intercourse.
  3. Test final "fluids" to see if you were infected with the "virus" by testing with Phenolphthalein.
  4. Collect classroom data on transmission.
  5. Write a journal entry about the spread of the "virus". Also reflect on the infected persons responsibilities, then have those who want to share what the have written.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated based on group participation in the Disease Poster and presentation. Poster content must be accurate, layout should look professional and speaking skills should be exhibited with a mature attitude.

Journal reflections should be serious and show a mature concern for the subject.

Conclusion

Students are to introduced to the STD subject as researchers/reports and will take the subject seriously when they know they have a responsibility to educate their fellow students about STD's. The "virus spreading" lab visually shows the affects of unprotected sex and reinforces the information learned about the prevention of STDs. Written work is at a minimum as the students learn this subject better by talking to each other about misconceptions and real facts.

Last updated May 21, 1996. Return to the Media and Behavior Page