Content Area IV: Extremes of intelligence Topic: Extremes of Intelligence/Autism TICE Goals: 1a, 1b, 1c, 3a, 4b, 4d, 5d, 6a Myers Module: 30 Activity Type: Movie, Student assignment Description: Rain Man Movie Review Neuroscience for Kids; http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/videos.html Assessment: “Your review should describe the main characters (age, physical traits, & personality), the setting, and briefly summarize the plot. It's important that you recognize and discuss the problem that the main character must overcome and tell the ways that are employed to solve the problem. Pay special attention to the solution of the problem (if it is solved) and the outcome of the story. Explain what you liked or didn't like about the film, giving examples to back your statements. Don't just say it was interesting, say why it was interesting. Explain why would you or would you not recommend the movie to a friend. As a part of your review, address at least 3 of the 5 the questions below for your video. QUESTIONS FOR RAINMAN: 1. Raymond uses routines and rituals to make himself feel safe. Describe several of these routines. Many normal people use routines in this way. How is Raymond's use different? 2. Dustin Hoffman won awards for his convincing acting in this film. How did he use body language and mannerisms to show that Raymond is abnormal? 3. Do you think it was cheating when Charlie used Raymond's savant abilities to win at poker? Explain the reasons for your answer. 4. Both Raymond and Charlie changed during the film. Describe how each of them changed. Who do you think changed more? 5. Raymond is "autistic." Find out and briefly describe what this means. Notes: This assignment can be adapted for the classroom or assigned as homework. Description of assessment retrieved from Neuroscience for Kids; http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/videos.html. Topic: Savant Syndrome TICE Goals: 1a, 1b, 1c, 3a, 4b, 4d, 5d, 6a Myers Module: 30 Activity Type: Online resource, student assignment Description: Invite students to investigate this site. There are numerous articles and video clips of individuals who are savants. Kim Peek, who was born in Salt Lake City, is included. On the left side of the web page, teachers will find a link to articles and videos about Kim and others. http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome Assessment: Ask students to write a short reaction after visiting this site, “What did you learn about savants? Did you find anything interesting or surprising?” Notes: This online resource is best used for homework, but could be adapted for use in a school computer lab. Source: Kristin Whitlock Topic: Giftedness TICE Goals: 1a, 1b, 1c, 3a, 4b, 4d, 5d, 6a Myers Module: 30 Activity Type: Video, student assignment Description: This episode of 60 Minutes introduces viewers to Jake Barnett, a childhood “prodigy.” His story is an interesting example of early giftedness. 60 minutes, Jake: Math prodigy proud of his autism http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7395214n&tag=mg;mostpopvideo Assessment: Student question, “What did you find most surprising about Jake Barnett?” Notes: This clip could be viewed and discussed in class, or watched by students at home with class discussion to follow. Source: Kristin Whitlock .