The Carding of Diabetes: Ancient Musings Topic: Diabetes Part of: Unit: Bittersweet: Diabetes

Individual Downloads

• Teacher Background Information
• Teacher Administrative Information
• Teacher Handout Ancient Musings Narrative
• Ancient Musings Cards (2 MB)
• World Map
• Student Background Information
• Student Data Pages (2 MB)

Keywords

narrative, library research, paraphrase, quotation, diabetes research, world map

Search Curricular Keywords

Key Concepts

Examining the development of diabetes research, drawing conclusions based on evidence

Process Skills Utilized

Paraphrasing, comparing and contrasting, making generalizations, concluding

Intended Grade Level - 6-8

Objectives

Using a narrative, quote cards, and library research, students will be able to:

• Paraphrase historical quotations into modern language.
• Illustrate historical quotations concerning diabetes research.
• Locate early diabetes research on a world map.
• Draw conclusions as to people’s thoughts on diabetes throughout the ages.

Activity Description

Students will be given a quote card at the beginning of the activity. Using a library cart of selected references or a computer with Internet access, students will find the location on a world map of major events that occurred in the time period of their quote, and how their event contributed to basic understanding of diabetes. Students will draw an illustration of the event described on their card. Next, students read the narrative on their card along with their research findings. The card and illustration will then be attached to the correct location on a large worldmap. Students may draw conclusions, discuss ideas, and raise questions in regard to the observations made about diabetes.

Activity Materials

• Class set of cards (may be laminated for durability)
• A timeline constructed from masking tape where students may arrange themselves in chronological order
• 1 copy Student Data Sheet per student
• Large World Map (May use a transparency of the world map provided in the teacher pages of this activity)
• Flashlight
• Library cart and/or computer with Internet access
• Drawing paper
• Markers

Activity Management Suggestions

Sensitivity issues are involved in that many students have friends or family with diabetes and it is important to explain that the descriptions of diabetes in this activity were made in ancient times when little or no treatment for diabetes was possible. The quality of life for diabetics is MUCH better in modern times.

As each group is presenting, they may be in costume, and should step into the spotlight, created as you or your designated helper shine a flashlight on them during their presentation. They should read the partof the Diabetes Narrative that is on their card and then pin or tape their card onto the world map as they explain where and when their part of the narrative occurred. They should continue by explaining what they found during their research.

Modifications

Special education and ESL students may profit by having help in paraphrasing. Perhaps, only certain major words might be changed as opposed to the whole sentence or clause.

Extension

In small groups or as a class, students can create a flow chart or concept map using quotes as well as events from Banting, Best, and All the Rest: The Diabetes Hunters. Create a concept map or diabetes roadmap if time allows.

References Used

American Diabetes Association. (1998, November 1). Milestones in Diabetes Treatment. Diabetes Forecast, 76-80.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2005). National Diabetes Fact Sheet: General Information & National Estimates on Diabetes in the U.S., 2005. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Papaspyros, N. S. MD (1964). The History of Diabetes Mellitus, 2nd edition. Stuttgart, Germany: Gerog Thieme Publishers.

Sanders, Lee D.P.M. (2003) Preventing Diabetic Amputations. US Medicine: The Voice of Federal Medicine

Sanders, L. J. DPM. (2002). From Thebes to Toronto and the 21st Century: An Incredible Journey. Diabetes Spectrum, 15(1), 56-60.

Sanders, L. J. DPM. (2001). The Philatelic History of Diabetes: In Search of a Cure. Alexandria: American Diabetes Association.

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