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Description of Unit

In this task, seventh graders will learn about stem cell research and use. They will investigate laws and regulations governing stem cell policies and use in countries around the world and how they have changed over the last 50 years. In their investigations, students will examine the benefits, problems, and ethical issues associated with stem cell research and use. Students will create a map that identifies the countries that allow stem cell use and those that prohibit it. They will then select at least one country in which it is allowed and one country in which it is prohibited and do an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons associated with that use. Using this information, students will develop a position statement that either supports or opposes stem cell use.

This guide links the Stem Cells: The Ethical Dilemma unit to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for seventh graders. Stem Cells: The Ethical Dilemma is a science unit that helps students develop a thorough understanding of stem cells, their uses, and the accompanying ethical issues. Students select, research, compare, and contrast one country that allows stem cell use and one country that prohibits stem cell use. Students will pay particular attention to the different laws and regulations that govern research and use in these countries. Students will analyze and evaluate the information they collect to formulate a position on the ethics of stem cell use. As a culminating activity, students will present their findings and justify their position on stem cell use using Claims, Evidence, Reasoning (CER). The following document includes the applicable TEKS and the details of the Stem Cells: The Ethical Dilemma unit. The final section of this document presents the applicable Texas College and Career Readiness Standards adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) on January 24, 2008.

Phase I. Learning Experiences

  1. The teacher will hold a class discussion to ensure that students understand the scientific basics of cells. Students should know that cells are the basic unit of structure and function for living organisms; that all cells come from pre-existing cells; and that there are a variety of cell types.

    Students will research the following science vocabulary terms to facilitate their understanding of stem cell use: stem cell, blastocyst, differentiation, embryo, embryonic, epithelial, neuron, DNA, genes, and fertilized egg. They should also understand the Claims, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) Framework.

    The teacher will speak further on stem cells by explaining the following to the class:

    “Stem cells are universal cells that have the ability to develop into specialized types of tissue. Every living organism (be it blue whale, botfly, or human) starts out as a single fertilized cell. The cell then divides, differentiates, and ultimately develops into a full-fledged organism according to a special set of genetic instructions—a toolkit that tells the embryo how and where to develop limbs and organs. All animals on Earth use essentially the same toolkit, so embryos of different species can appear startlingly similar to one another.”

    Students will examine pictures of epithelial, muscle, liver, bone, and blood cells:

    Students will watch a video on gene control, (https://houstonpbs.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.cell.genecontrl/genecontrol/#.WQtsEIjytEZ), and consider the following questions:

    • If every cell contains the exact same DNA, how do you think cells become specialized?
    • What is the function of control genes?
  2. Working in pairs or small groups, students use the library and internet resources to explore stem cell research and treatments/therapies that use stem cells. Students will document the sources they use and be prepared to share what they have learned with the class during a Socratic seminar.

    Students will find answers to the following questions during their research:

    • What is a stem cell?
    • What is a blastocyst?
    • In what parts of the human body do you find stem cells?
    • What is the difference between adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells?
    • How are stem cells currently being used to treat diseases and injuries?
    • Why is there controversy about using embryonic stem cells?
    • How might the use of embryonic stem cells be more ethical than the use of adult stem cells? How might the use of adult stem cells be more ethical than the use of embryonic stem cells?
  3. Students will read Deepali Dhar and John Hsi-en Ho’s paper, “Stem Cell Research Policies Around the World” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2744936/). On a world map, they will identify and mark the countries that allow stem cell use and those that prohibit stem cell use. Students should search for additional resources to consult as they research stem cell use and the ethical issues it brings up. Some examples have been included:

Phase II. Independent Research

A. Research process

  1. Selecting a topic. Each student will identify one country that allows stem cell use and one country that prohibits stem cell use to research. The student will compare and contrast these countries and their positions on the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research and therapy.
  2. Asking guiding questions. The student will develop guiding questions to drive research. For each of the countries, you select, develop a set of guiding questions that might include the following:
    • What is each country’s position on stem cell use?
    • What reasons are given for their position?
    • How are stem cells being utilized in countries that allow for their use?
    • What resistance, if any, is there to stem cell use?
    • What are some of the proven benefits of stem cell use?
    • What are some proven negative effects of stem cell use?
    • What are the ethical issues surrounding a country’s decision to allow or prohibit stem cell research?
    • How has stem cell research changed over time in the countries you have selected?
  3. Creating a research proposal. The student will create a research proposal that includes the two countries to be studied, three to five guiding questions, and the primary and secondary sources to be used. You may wish to use some of the forms developed specifically for the middle school Texas Performance Standards Project.
  4. Conducting the research. Each student will conduct research on the countries he or she has selected and the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research and use. The student will follow standard research procedures and keep a research journal as documentation of his or her findings.
  5. Developing conclusions and sharing findings. Each student will create a multimedia presentation that compares and contrasts the two countries’ positions on stem cell research and use. He or she will conclude the presentation with his or her personal position on stem cell use, supported with evidence and reasoning. The student will share this presentation with the class, other science classes, or a panel of high school teachers.

B. The product

Each student will create a multimedia presentation that compares and contrasts the selected countries’ positions on stem cell research and use. He or she will conclude the presentation with his or her personal position on stem cell research, supported with evidence and reasoning.

C. Communication

The student will share his or her presentation with the class, other science classes, or a panel of high school teachers.

D. A completed project consists of:

  1. A world map of countries that allow or prohibit stem cell research and use
  2. A research journal
  3. A multimedia presentation that compares and contrasts two countries’ positions on stem cell research/use and provides the student’s personal position on the ethical dilemma
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