Loss of Vision in Astronauts

In this lesson plan, students will analyze an intended to support reading in the content area. The article addresses the results of a new study that will help researchers identify which astronauts will develop vision problems in space. The text describes how Scott M. Smith from the Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division at NASA's Johnson Space Center has found a metabolic pathway that is directly related to the vision problems some astronauts encounter. This pathway, called the one carbon metabolism pathway, moves single atoms from one organic compound to another. Astronauts who develop vision problems have been found to have a different genetic variant, which changes the way the enzymes of this pathway work. This will also affect people on Earth, as the same enzymes are also used here and are linked to other medical problems. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. Numerous options to extend the lesson are also included.
Resource ID#: 163252 Type: Lesson Plan
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General Information

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Intended Audience: Educators educators
Instructional Time: 3 Hour(s)
Resource supports reading in content area:Yes
Keywords: enzymes, organic macromolecules, metabolism, metabolic pathway, mutations, protein synthesis, B vitamin, genetics, text complexity, lesson plan, vision, vision problems, space, space exploration, Mars exploration, astronaut
Instructional Component Type(s): Lesson Plan,  Worksheet,  Assessment,  Video/Audio/Animation,  Text Resource,  Tutorial,  Formative Assessment
Resource Collection: STEM Reading Resources

Aligned Standards

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Tutorials

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Type: Tutorial