Dossier Actividad Luz - Actividad CLIL

La siguiente actividad se trata de una propuesta de actividad CLIL para la clase de inglés. Podría aplicarse en una clase de 1º o 2º de Bachillerato en un instituto donde exista una sección bilingüe en Biología o Ciencias para el Mundo Contemporáneo. Se trata de una actividad de comprensión lectora que trata a través de la historia particular de un niño con Fibrosis Quística diversos aspectos importantes de la ciencia moderna como el uso de la terapia genética o tipos de enfermedades hereditarias. Igualmente, el texto es rico en vocabulario relacionado con el cuerpo humano y con la biología humana y la medicina en general. Utilizaría esta lectura una vez que los conceptos básicos de del tema de genes y herencia genética ya hayan sido introducidos y creo que sería un buen refuerzo para que los alumnos entendieran el tema utilizando un ejemplo concreto:

Cystic Fibrosis: Paul's Story

"I was 2½ years old when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). My mum and dad took me to the local doctor because I had a constant cold. I had skinny arms and legs and a distended stomach. 

I was referred to a consultant who decided to do some tests, one of which was a sweat test. This is a relatively easy way to test for cystic fibrosis. This showed that I had CF as the sodium levels were so high. Since then, I’ve followed a treatment regime. The reason I got cystic fibrosis is because both my parents carried the gene that causes it. Lots of people carry the gene but it’s only when both parents are carriers and have children that it can manifest itself. 

My brother doesn’t have CF, though. However, he may be a carrier and could have a blood test to check.

I have always had a lot of support from the medical profession since I was diagnosed. I go to hospital every 6 weeks for checks and every 12 weeks I routinely stay in hospital for treatment.

My height and weight are measured. People with CF tend to be very thin as they don’t digest their food properly. This is because mucous inhibits the pancreas from working properly which in turn affects digestion. 

I have to take enzymes, from pigs, to counteract this. I also have a course of antibiotics every 3 months (or 6 months depending on my lung function test) infused into me via a portacath which is permanently implanted under my skin and goes into one of my veins. The long lines they used before were very painful but this is pain free.

I know that doing exercises regularly will prolong my life. Only half of those living with CF are likely to live past their late 30s. My case isn’t severe and so I’m lucky. The oldest person recorded with CF was 88 years old.

If this disease could be cured by genetic treatment, I wouldn’t have to go to hospital so often. I wouldn’t cough so much and would be able to run quicker. I’m at college now but maybe I would have stayed at school for longer - I don’t know.

My mum has looked into the family tree to see if there was any evidence of CF in my family. As it’s only quite recently that CF has been readily diagnosed, it’s difficult to tell but there were some unexplained infant deaths 4 generations ago. There’s no way of telling if it was CF or not.
Gene therapy is a new, experimental method of fighting or preventing disease. It is in its early stages of development but could be a promising option for treating cystic fibrosis. Research is continuing to develop this as a successful treatment for many diseases.

Actividad 1: Como actividad introductoria al tema, propondría hacer un brainstorming utilizando las imágenes de la lectura para que los alumnos las describan e intenten averiguar el tema que va a tratar la lectura. 

Actividad 2: Para la primera lectura haría una pequeña actividad de escoger la respuesta correcta o preguntas de verdadero o falso sobre las ideas principales que trata el texto. Por ejemplo:

1. Doing exercises is a) something Paul must avoid because of his poor lung fuction.
                                b) something very recommendable to ensure his good health.
2. Paul has cystic fibrosis because his parents have this desease too. T/F

Actividad 3: Para una lectura más detallada del texto propondría algunas preguntas más elaboradas. Por elemplo:

1. What are the main symptoms of cystic fibrosis? What kind of disease is it?
2. Why is do difficult to find out if there were other cases of cystic fibrosis in Paul's ancestry?
3. What does "gene therapy" mean?
4. Can cystic fibrosis be cured by genetic treatment?

Actividad 4: Para finalizar, propondría una pequeña actividad de debate dividiendo la clase en grupos de tres o cuatro alumnos. Cada alumno deberá debatir con sus compañeros su postura a favor o en contra de la aplicación de terapia genética para el tratamiento de enfermedades. Para ello, propondré algunas ideas a favor y en contra este tema:

A:

• Gene therapy shouldn’t be used on humans until they’re sure it works
• It is worth trying out a new therapy which may give a person some extra healthy time if they are going to die or have a very poor quality of life without the treatment

B

• Manipulating the genes is wrong – it’s interfering with nature
• Medicine only progresses by trying out new treatments, even if the early patients die. Look at what happened with heart transplants!