Flowers for Algernon: Does Literature Reflect Changes Made in Society?

WJHS Pathfinder for English 9B

Task Definition

Information Seeking Strategies

Location and Access

Use of Information

Synthesis

Evaluation

The science fiction novel we read in class Flowers for Algernon is based on the idea that a scientific procedure can make a person more intelligent. History shows us that over time science fiction becomes science fact. Your assignment is to research the "frontiers" of research whose goal ultimately is to alter/change/correct/ improve human brain function.

Consider the idea:

Science constantly moves the limits of what man is able to alter about himself.

How close are we to improving our brains?

1. Task Definition

PROCEDURE:

Read the novel Flowers for Algernon
Form a group of three and select a topic for research from the ones given.
Over the course of three days conduct research in the library.
Create 30 note cards of word-for-word quotes based on 5 sources, two sources must have authors, one may be an encyclopedia.
Create a works cited page using correct format.
Deliver a 3 - 5 minute talk on your topic, accompanied by a visual.
Take notes on classmates' reports.
Take an open note quiz on your notes.

Topics

CHOOSE ONE:

A. Genetically altering human brain function
Gene therapy to cure insanity, Alzheimer's, or other diseases

B. Chemically altering the brain
Drugs as therapy for diseases and insanity
Drugs as behavior modifiers or mood enhancers

C. Chemically improving intelligence or learning aptitude
"Smart" drugs

D. Surgically altering the brain
Lobotomies; surgery for brain tumors

E. Other therapeutic procedures (outside of chemical or surgical) for the brain
Electro-shock therapy, MRI's and x-rays

F. Efforts to find a "cure" for "retarded" individuals
All therapies

G. Historical superstitions associated with mental illness (until 1960)
Reasons for the superstitions
Historically, how were individuals with mental illness treated up until 1960

H. Classifications of Mental Illness

J. Mental Illnesses and their Causes
          Classification of mental illnesses
          Characteristics of mental illnesses
          Causes of mental illnesses
          Diagnoses of mental illnesses

2. Information Seeking

Find information in encyclopedias, biographies, newspapers, personal interviews, and the Internet. The Library Media Center and other libraries.

If you wish to expand your research use this link to Other Libraries. This link provides direct
connections to the Montgomery County Public Library system, as well as libraries at NIH,
University of Maryland, the Library of Congress and others.

3. Location and Access

Walter Johnson’s Learning Research Hub provides access to a catalog of all books and materials located in the Media Center, and to a wide variety of general and subject-based online reference materials.
The links below provide useful research tools for this project.

General Resources*
Encyclopedia, Almanacs, Dictionaries, Atlases

Literature Resources*

Science Resources*

News & Magazine Resources*

Literary links for Flowers for Algernon

Flowers for Algernon: Reviews and Analysis

Classic Science Fiction Reviews: Flowers for Algernon

Internet SitesUse the following Internet Sites for information on this project. If you discover other useful
Internet sites complete the Internet Checklist (copies available in Media Center) to authenticate
the site.

National Center for Biotechnology Information

Roslin Institute Online
National Reference Center for Bioethics Literature

Neuroscience for Kids (Good source for background information)

Neuroscience for Kids: Smart Drugs

Scientific American Explorations: Gene Therapy

Should we be cloning around?

Scottish Sheep Shocker Got a copyright on them genes?

What is Genetic Engineering?

Genetic Engineering and Its Dangers

Genomic Imprinting

Cloning Special Report

Double Takes

Should Cloning Be Banned?

4. Information Use

Create 30 note cards of word-for-word quotes based on 5 sources, two sources must have authors, one may be an encyclopedia.
Create a works cited page using correct format.

5. Synthesis

Take notes on classmates' reports.

Deliver a 3 - 5 minute talk on your topic, accompanied by a visual.

Credit sources.

(Tips for citing sources)

6. Evaluation

Finished assignment fulfills task.

Information found matches information needed?
How well did my project turn out?
Did I revise with a critical eye?
Sources are credited.
Was I happy with my process of finding and using information?
Work is complete and includes name and date.
Work is done in on time.
How would I do a similar project in the future?

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