Mississippi Science HAP.2.3
The Standard
- HAP.2
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of cells and tissues that form complex structures of the body.
Enrichment: Use an engineering design process to research and develop medications (i.e., targeted cancer therapy drugs) that target uncontrolled cancer cell reproduction. *
2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Cells and Tissues
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students research why a cancer cell keeps dividing and identify a growth signal a medicine might block. They sketch a treatment, test it with a model, and revise it to reduce harm to healthy cells.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can explain why a HER2-blocking medicine might slow the growth of HER2-positive breast cancer cells. They can use model results to compare effects on cancer and healthy cells, then justify a change to their design.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think every cancer has the same target. They may also assume that a medicine that blocks cancer cell division cannot affect healthy cells.
How to Assess It
- Give students two cell diagrams, one with 20 HER2 receptors and one with 2. Ask them to propose a receptor blocker, predict its effect on each cell, and name one result that would make them revise it.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build cell diagrams with 12 and 2 paper HER2 receptors, then place paper blockers and count the unblocked receptors on each.
Ask pairs: If healthy cells also have HER2 receptors, why might a HER2-blocking medicine cause side effects?
Deal teams blocker cards labeled 90%, 60%, and 30% binding; have them rank tumor benefit and healthy-cell risk.
Compare a trastuzumab drug label with the class designs; circle the HER2 target and underline the warning about heart problems.
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Printable HAP.2.3 Worksheet
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