The Stem Cell

Introduction

This WebQuest on stem cells is intended for anyone who wishes to learn more about the biological properties of stem cells, the important questions about stem cells that are the focus of scientific research, and the potential use of stem cells in research and in treating disease. The WebQuest includes information about stem cells derived from embryonic and non-embryonic tissues.

This WebQuest will help students understand the answers to questions such as:

What are stem cells?
What are the different types of stem cells, and where do they come from?
What is the potential for new medical treatments using stem cells?
What research is needed to make such treatments a reality?

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Task

In this WebQuest you will explore the science of stem cells and understand a variety of points of view about its properties and potential uses.

You will build your knowledge on stem cells by completing a fact filled worksheet. Working with a partner you may navigate interesting websites.

You will know the properties and potential uses of stem cells for treatment of diseases as well as the obstacles that must be overcome before these potential uses will be realized. Keep in mind how important all this information is to you; you will be extracting advantages and disadvantages of stem cell in therapeutic researches.

All this knowledge will culminate in a debate. You will be given your respected topic beforehand for you to prepare your arguments.

Somatic Stem Cells

Process

1. Get an overview of stem cells from these sites:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell
stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics1.aspx
www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/stem_cell/
www.stemcellnetwork.ca/index.php?page=what-are-stem-cells
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/stemcells/quickref/

2. Remember to keep answering the questions posed to you earlier. You and your partner may explore other websites and resources to learn more about stem cell research and the arguments for and against it.

Stem Cells and Growth Factors: Separating Hype from Hope, a webinar with Clive Svendsen, PhD
http://www.alsa.org/assets/pdfs/svendsen-stem-cells-webinar-6-19-12.pdf
Bellomo, Michael. The Stem Cell Divide: The Facts, the Fiction, and the Fear Driving the Greatest Scientific, Political, and Religious Debate of Our Time. New York: AMACOM, 2006.

DeGette, Diana. Sex, Science, and Stem Cells: Inside the Right Wing Assault on Reason. Guilford, CT: Lyons, 2008.
Bevington, Linda K., Ray G. Bohlin, Gary P. Stewart, John F. Kilner, and C. Christopher Hook. Basic Questions on Genetics, Stem Cell Research and Cloning: Are These Technologies Okay to Use? Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2002

3. We will have a class discussion of the pros and cons in which everyone is expected to participate. Read more on these sites:

biotech.about.com › About Money › Biotech/Biomedical
www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm
bootstrike.com › Home › Stem Cells

4. Prepare for yor debate arguments. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer but you must be able to back up your position with sound reasons. You may watch these videos and other related materials for more information:

5. For individual work, make a reaction paper about the controversies regarding Stem Cell Therapy.

Evaluation

Evaluation Rubric

Criteria	Got It	Getting It	Not Yet	Score

Clear Statement of Arguments	Argument is stated clearly.	Argument is not stated clearly.	Argument is not stated.	20

Correct Scientific Facts	All scientific facts are accurate.	Most scientific facts are accurate.	None of the scientific facts are accurate or scientific facts are absent.	20

Supported by Sound Reasons	Argument is supported by at least three sound reasons.	Argument is supported by one or two sound reasons.	Argument is supported by one reason or position is unsupported.	40

Formatting, Spelling and Grammar	No errors in formatting, spelling or grammar.	One or two errors in formatting, spelling or grammar.	More than two errors in formatting, spelling or grammar.	20

Total Score: 100

Conclusion

By now, I hope you have learned all about stem cells and must have realized an appreciation for exactly how complex the issue over stem cells truly is. There is no simple answer! However, that does not mean that student scientists should not try. As Dr. Emmet Brown from Back to the Future says, "you can't keep a good scientist down!" In the end, even if we do not find "the right answer," hopefully we will at least be asking the right questions.

In this picture taken 27 December 2005,

Credits

Johanna Joyce P. Lagrimas is a student of University of Nueva Caceres, Post Bachelorette Teacher Certification Program for Secondary Science. She is a registered midwife and a registered nurse and took up TCP to widen her horizons and discover new opportunities.

This WebQuest was developed as a part of her Education Technology outputs.

This Web Quest was created in Create WebQuest.

Teacher Page

Teacher Introduction

This WebQuest is intended to help high school biology students learn about a complex social and scientific issue and hopefully take a stance on the issue that they can back up with sound reasons. This lesson also incorporates education on civic responsibility so that students will learn how to use their scientific knowledge to make a difference in their community and nation.

Students

This WebQuest is intended for High School 9th-12th Grader Science Students.

Standards

1. Know the basics of stem cells.

2. Be able to justify debate arguments.

3. Familiarize novel researches and pressing issues on stem cell therapy.

4. Establish confidence, logical reasoning, and social awareness.

5. Technology integration in learning.