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Stem cell research
Lesson Plans by monthLesson Plans by subject
Where will it lead?Overview: What are stem cells? What clues may they hold to finding cures for some of our most baffling and most debilitating diseases? Is it ethical to create embryos for the purpose of harvesting their stem cells, and in the process, destroying the embryos? These are some of the questions that President Bush must consider as he determines whether to provide federal funding for stem cell research. Meanwhile, a research facility in Virginia has added fuel to the debate by creating embryos in the lab that are designated for stem cell research. Use this CNNfyi.com article and lesson to explore the issue of the research itself and the role the government may play in the debate. Curriculum connections: Science, Social Studies, Current Issues Objectives Students will be able to:
Standards Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) Life sciences, Standard 5, grades nine - 12 High school students need to know how cell functions are regulated through changes in the activity of the functions performed by proteins and through the selective expression of individual genes, and how this regulation allows cells to respond to their environment and to control and coordinate cell growth and division National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) VIII Science, technology and society, grades nine - 12 High school students need to think more deeply about how we can manage technology so that we control it rather than the other way around. There should be opportunities to confront such issues as the consequences of using robots to produce goods, the protection of privacy in the age of computers and electronic surveillance, and the opportunities and challenges of genetic engineering, test-tube life, and medical technology with all their implications for longevity and quality of life and religious beliefs. Materials Suggested time Article and questions only: 20 minutes Full lesson plan: two class periods Procedures 1. Do a quick review with the class on biological research and events that have occurred in the past year. These may include examples of cloning and work on the human genome project. 2. Have students read the CNNfyi.com article, "Donor embryos fuel stem cell controversy" and ask the following:
3. Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to prepare an argument in support of stem cell research and the other group to present an argument in opposition to stem cell research. Instruct both groups to use both online and print resources to gather information about the research. 4. Have the two groups debate stem cell research using formal rules of debate. Assessment As a class, review the kinds of reasons used to argue for or against federal funding of stem cell research. Were the arguments based on logic, deduction, induction, emotions, ethics, science, law? Have students take on the role of advisers to the president and write opinions for or against federal funding for the research. Direct them to include what kinds of reasoning should be used in this matter, and why. Accommodation Visual/spatial Students can create charts listing both the benefits and the drawbacks of stem cell research. Challenge Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, the director of the Center for Bio ethics at the University of Minnesota was interviewed by CNN concerning the recent embryos created at a Virginia research facility (see sidebar on CNNfyi.com news story). He said, "I think what's interesting to watch in the debate in Washington is how much this policy decision is being influenced by political considerations, rather than by issues of science and ethics. It's not the best way to make science policy." Ask students to consider this quote and write answers to the questions, How do you think public opinion influences scientific research? What should determine scientific policy, and why? Should the government be able not only to control public funding for scientific research, but also to regulate under what conditions the research can continue? They may want to consider other areas of science, such as space program policies and environmental science policies. Extension If you use CNN NEWSROOM, use the video and follow the Daily Guide http://turnerlearning.com/newsroom/archive/0601/NR071201.html from June 12, 2001, on Stem Cell Research for additional questions and activities. RELATED SITES: Stem Cells: A Primer, National Institutes of Health, May 2000 |
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