Are you looking for an engaging way to teach high school biology? Real-world connections can make a huge impact on your students’ understanding of complex topics like the human body, cell function, and diseases. That’s why we’ve created Case Study: Understanding Leukemia Through Ethan’s Story—a resource designed to bring the science of leukemia to life in your classroom.
This case study follows Ethan, a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia, as he experiences symptoms, visits the doctor, learns about his condition, and begins treatment. Each section is carefully written to provide age-appropriate explanations of key concepts, including:
- The symptoms and early warning signs of leukemia.
- The diagnostic process, including blood tests and bone marrow biopsies.
- What leukemia is and how it affects the blood and bone marrow.
- A step-by-step look at the treatment process in a way that students can understand.
Students will also improve their ability to read scientific text. Sections included bold-faced vocabular words such as pediatrician, anemia, and oncologist. For students studying cell biology or mitosis, this resource can add a personal aspect.
This case study does more than teach science—it encourages empathy, critical thinking, and real-world application of biological concepts. Students will explore topics like cell division, the role of blood cells, and how medical treatments work to fight disease. It’s perfect for lessons on mitosis, where students can connect cell division to health and medical advancements.
What’s Included?
- A detailed narrative of Ethan’s journey with leukemia, broken into easy-to-follow sections.
- Key biology concepts explained in clear, student-friendly language.
- Discussion questions and prompts to encourage student engagement..
Related Resources
Mitosis Coloring – learn about the phases of the cell cycle by coloring
Mitosis in an Onion – view picture, identify the stages of mitosis in each of the cells
Cell Cycle Label – label a picture of the stages of mitosis, identify parts of the cell such as the centriole and spindle
Cancer: Out of Control Cells – explores the role of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes in cancer
Mitosis, Cancer, and the Cell Cycle – examines the role of a HPV in cervical cancer
3D Model of Mitosis – students can manipulate models and organize them into the correct sequence
