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11th Grade  Project 2 weeks

Neurodiversity Decoded: Science, Support, and Self-Understanding

Logan H
RWC20-GR.1112-S.1-GLE.1-EO.a.i
ESSK.02.06.b
HSCL.02.06.b
HSCL.02.06.c
ESSK.02.06.c
+ 4 more
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Purpose

Test the claim cards. Then research brain effects, behavior, daily life, and myths with reliable evidence. Myths are false ideas. Use support organizations and self-advocates. Use them to find respectful support and professional testing guidance. Build a portfolio. Include source notes, a one-page summary, daily fact-question entries, and a final reflection. Create a short slideshow. Explain both conditions’ science, myths, support, and your changed thinking. Get one peer strength and one fix. Revise your work. Then present to teachers and peers.

Learning goals

I can explain how autism and Down syndrome affect the brain, behavior, and daily life.
I can compare myths with reliable evidence and explain how my thinking changed.
I can describe respectful supports and when a professional autism evaluation may be appropriate.
I can discuss research evidence and respond thoughtfully to lived experiences.
I can create source notes, a summary, reflection, and slides that strengthen my oral presentation.

Standards
  • [Colorado] RWC20-GR.1112-S.1-GLE.1-EO.a.i - Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
  • [Colorado] ESSK.02.06.b - Identify support materials that will enhance an oral presentation.
  • [Colorado] HSCL.02.06.b - Identify support materials that will enhance an oral presentation.
  • [Colorado] HSCL.02.06.c - Prepare support materials that will enhance an oral presentation.
  • [Colorado] ESSK.02.06.c - Prepare support materials that will enhance an oral presentation.
Competencies
  • Gateway Keys - Practitioner of Self Care and Wellbeing (PK.1) - Students are Practitioners of Self Care and Wellbeing when they intentionally focus time and effort in the care of themselves—mentally, emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually.
  • Gateway Keys - Pursuer of Passions and Interests (PK.2) - Students are Pursuers of Passions and Interests when they actively seek to discover their passions and interests through exploration, cultivation, and pursuit of knowledge.
  • Learning Goals - Empirical Reasoning (Thinking Like a Scientist) (LG.2) - Students will demonstrate competency in the ‘Empirical Reasoning’ Learning Goal when they provide evidence that they can successfully ask questions, investigate, collect data, and use evidence to understand and explain the world.
  • Learning Goals - Social Reasoning (Thinking Like a Historian/Social Scientist) (LG.3) - Students will demonstrate competency in the ‘Social Reasoning’ Learning Goal when they provide evidence they can successfully understand people, cultures, systems, and history, and use that knowledge to make thoughtful decisions and take action.

Products

Your portfolio includes source notes, claim checks, six daily reflections, and a one-page summary.
Your final reflection explains what you learned and how your thinking changed.
Create a short slideshow explaining both conditions, common myths, daily life, and respectful autism support.
Share your draft and get peer feedback naming one strength and one fix.
Revise your slideshow, then present it to teachers and peers.

Launch

Rotate through claim cards about autism, Down syndrome, brain science, daily life, and respectful support.
With a partner, label each claim: supported, needs questions, or needs changes.
Research means careful study that uses evidence.
Choose one claim and list the evidence needed to check it.
Share your choice, then write one fact and one question for further research.

Exhibition

Present your slideshow to teachers, peers, and invited community partners during a gallery showcase. Brain science means how the brain works. Explain brain science. Correct myths. Share respectful, practical supports for autistic people. Use clear visuals and source citations to support your claims during a short question period. Display your research portfolio, then invite visitors to leave one question or helpful response.