Before the lesson, use the slide show for this information to show to students after the vocabulary section.   A two-headed zipper (that starts in the middle and closes at both ends) could be used to demonstrate the closing of the neural tube.  Or edges of a piece of paper could be joined lengthwise to form a large tube.   Several paper clips could be used to secure the edges together, from the middle toward both ends.  This could show the closing of the neural tube.  If the bottom of the "tube" doesn't close completely it can cause spina bifida.   If the top of the "tube" doesn't close it could cause anencephaly.   Look at day 22 of the slide show for more information about this.

Concept mapping teaches by adding to what students already know and creating mental connections with new material.  Give students 2 minutes to write down everything they know about these familiar words:  Pregnancy, Baby, Birth Defects, Family, Genes and Environment.  Have the students write their ideas on strips cut out from 8-1/2-by-11 inch paper.  Next have the students tape the strips to a piece of butcher paper so it can be displayed for the class.

There are two sets of concepts to master. The basic concepts relate specifically to the birth defects described in this module. The epidemiologic concepts relate to scientific research methods and epidemiology.

To teach the vocabulary of the basic concepts, you can create a new birth defects concept map using the terms below.  An example map using the vocabulary is given here.  Print the  birth defects vocabulary page to create a transparency.  Have students read the words and definitions, then add these terms, definitions, and connecting arrows to their own mind maps.  They will be able to keep these mind maps to remind them of vocabulary definitions and to add more information later.  Likewise, you can create an epidemiology concept map.  An example epidemiology concept map is given here. To create a transparency of the epidemiology vocabulary words, click here.

Estimated time:  20 minutes

birth de·fect 
A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing  inside the mother.  Not all of the baby's parts may form right and work right.  Three out of every 100 babies are born with a birth defect.  Babies with birth defects may need surgery or other medical treatments. However, they often lead full lives if they receive the medical and other types of help they need.  Most birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

em·bry·o 
An unborn baby from the beginning of pregnancy through the first 8 weeks.

spin·al cord 
A long tube of nerve tissue inside the bony spinal column, running from the brain down the length of the back.  It controls movement and feeling.

neu·ral tube
The tube along the back of an embryo which later becomes the spinal cord and brain.

neu·ral tube de·fect (NTD)
Problems in the growth of the spinal cord and brain in an embryo, when the neural tube doesn't close at the top (anencephaly) or the bottom (spina bifida).  The defects occur in the first month of pregnancy, before most women know they are pregnant.  About 7 babies are born in the U.S. each day with these birth defects.

Link to slide show

an·en·ceph·a·ly  
A fatal birth defect that happens when the neural tube does not fully close at the top.  As a result, the skull and brain do not form properly.  Babies with anencephaly die before or shortly after birth. 

Link to larger definition and picture to create overhead slide.

en·ceph·a·lo·cele
A birth defect that is often fatal.  Part of a baby's skull does not form properly, and part of the brain is outside of the skull. Those babies who do survive often have severe physical and mental handicaps.  Link to larger definition and picture to create overhead slide.

Link to larger definition and picture to create overhead slide.

spi·na bi·fi·da    
A birth defect of the back bone and spinal cord that leaves the spinal cord exposed.  A person with spina bifida may have learning disabilities or problems going to the bathroom because of lack of bowel and bladder control, and usually needs crutches or a wheelchair to get around.  Eighty to 90% of babies with spina bifida survive, and most lead productive lives.

Link to larger definition and picture to create overhead slide.

Link to Lesson 2:  Case Description

 
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This page was last updated Wednesday, January 28, 2004

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) promotes the health of babies, children, and adults, and enhance the potential for full, productive living.  Our work includes identifying the causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and promoting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.