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ERIC Number: EJ964632
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Nov
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-231X
EISSN: N/A
What Killed Leah Miller: Abuse or Natural Causes?
Boyce, Sheri L.
Journal of College Science Teaching, v41 n2 p62-65 Nov 2011
An Amish infant suddenly dies, and autopsy findings lead law enforcement agencies to suspect the parents of child abuse. Experts who advocate for the parents argue that a lack of vitamin K combined with a genetic liver disorder common in the Amish population may have resulted in the baby's death. Students assume the role of a police detective and are given some of the details of the case, then answer questions regarding blood clotting and shaken baby syndrome (now referred to as abusive head trauma). They are then required to piece their information together and decide if the evidence lies in favor of the parents or the police. The case as given to the students is purposely left open-ended to promote discussion and synthesis of class material. The case is based on actual events that received extensive local publicity, and the outcome of the investigation is provided at the end of the class period. Using a story that actually happened demonstrates how seemingly "minor" details can be important in determining an outcome that has far-reaching social and legal effects on an entire family. This case was used at the beginning of the second semester as part of the cardiovascular system unit. Students should have foundational knowledge of the components of the blood and the process of hemostasis, as well as some prior exposure to basic anatomy and physiology of the brain and the eye.
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A