When teaching about environmental birth defects, I like to address a 100% preventable, but 100% irreversible birth defect known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).  Students learn about FASD by participating in a variety of interactive activities.

Set

• What do you know about FASD?  What does it stand for?  What causes it? What are the effects? Is it common? Is it preventable?  I can usually tell how much or how little students know by the responses I get to these questions.

Materials

• iPads or Laptops
• Markers
• Scissors & Glue
• Projector & Screen

Activities

• Provide each student a copy of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Graphic Organizer to complete using the internet.  Students will use markers to fill in the graphic organizer in a creative way. Just in case you are not familiar with the PIES acronym the letters stand for physical, intellectual, emotional, and social on the effects section of the organizer. Students can also download a picture of the celebrity quote and cut and paste it to fit.
• Students share information they found with the class as we go through each section of the graphic organizer.  After sharing, I hang them on an informational bulletin board about FASD for all to see.
• Show the effects of alcohol on an egg via this YouTube video titled, “Pregnant? See How Alcohol Affects an Egg“.
• Here is a YouTube video  about FASD that I show if time permits that shares stories of women who drank during pregnancy.  Students write a reflection paper after viewing.

Attachments

• FASD GRAPHIC ORGANIZER (PDF)

Free Posters & Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FASD (website/information)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (posters & materials)