All or individually three videos will be used to follow an investigative pattern similar to the popular television show "CSI" (Crime Scene Investigators) with the title of the project being "MSI" (Medical Scene Investigators).

1. Introduce the film's central thesis (see descriptions below). Prior to viewing the film ask students discussion questions pertaining to individual medical conditions revealed in the videos (HIV/AIDS, autism, asthma and cancer).

2. It would be interesting to watch the video using the discussion questions and then discuss again after student presentations.

Students will:
1. Investigate the physical, psychological and societal implications of the various medical problems.
2. Use technology to research and present findings to classmates.
3. Explore controversial health issues that have potential for lifelong implications.
4. Increase their knowledge base concerning HIV/AIDS, Autism and Environmental Hazards.
5. Use creativity in planning and presenting their investigative results.
6. Demonstrate individual responsibility in contributing to team investigation.
7. Compare and contrast viewpoints that may differ from their own.

Standards

Health Standards MCREL
1. Knows the availability and effective use of health services, products, and information
2. Knows environmental and external factors that affect individual and community health
3. Understands the relationship of family health to individual health
7. Knows how to maintain and promote personal health
8. Knows essential concepts about the prevention and control of disease

Technology Standards
1. Knows the characteristics and uses of computer hardware and operating systems
2. Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs
3. Understands the relationships among science, technology, society, and the individual.
6. Understands the nature and uses of different forms of technology

Materials Needed
1. VCR, monitor and videotapes of "Refrigerator Mothers"
2. Computers with Internet access
3. Note taking materials

TOP

1. Students work as teams of investigators examining facts surrounding the medical issues addressed in each or all three of the videos: HIV/AIDS, Autism and environmental health. Teams will be required to submit factual information, using video clips and information obtained from at least three of the recommended web sites.
2. Allow class time to view the film(s).
3. Discuss with students some of the societal and emotional issues that surfaced in conjunction with the medical concerns.
4. Students also should identify coping mechanisms they witnessed throughout the film.
5. Each investigative team is given a rubric as a guide for their project. The rubric will also be used to divide responsibilities among the investigative team.
6. Teams are required to present the information to the class. They must submit factual information, use video clips that support their information, develop a vocabulary concerning their investigative topic and develop either a power point, web page, virtual field trip, brochure or newsletter about their topic as part of their presentation.
7. Each team must also design an activity involving their classmates as part of their presentation. At the conclusion of each presentation, classmates will have an opportunity to ask questions of each investigative team.
8. If time permits, discuss how attitudes and answers to pre-film discussions questions may have been altered.

"Refrigerator Mothers" explores the traumatic legacy of blame, guilt and self-doubt suffered by a generation of women with autistic children, who were branded "refrigerator mothers. " Autism is one of today's fastest growing disorders, affecting one in 500 people. It is now known to be a neurological condition, but from the 1950's through the 1970's, the medical establishment mistakenly believed it had found the root cause of autism. They attributed the cause to emotionally cold mothers with poor parenting skills. "Refrigerator Mothers" is an effective tool for exploring autism. It is also indicative of the emotional damage that occurs as science evolves and proves that medicine is still not an exact science.

Refrigerator Mothers
1. Can anyone explain autism?
2. What causes autism?
3. How is autism treated?
4. As a parent of an autistic child, would you feel prepared to rear that child? Why or why not?
5. How would you feel if doctors told you that your child's autism was a result of your cold behavior and lack of good parenting skills?

TOP

Autism links

http://www.autism-society.org/

http://www.autism.org/contents.html
Includes an enormous amount of information including treatments, interviews, issues and other autism resource links.

1. Develop a timeline about the particular problems addressed by each team and/or develop a community action plan for problems surfacing throughout their investigations.
2. Invite guest speakers including a doctor, environmental specialist, a psychologist or psychiatrist to speak to the class. Team members should have questions prepared for the guests. Sharing each of the speaking days will be a friend or relative of a person experiencing each of the medical conditions addressed in the videos.

Assessment Suggestion: Rubric

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