Stage 4 Stem Cell WebQuest

Background For All

Stage 4 Assessment Task: Stem Cells Web quest

Your Task:   To Research and Complete a Webquest

Complete both section 1 and section 2.

Section 1. Short Answers. Answer in complete sentences for full marks.

Section 2. Choose a role of either a scientist or ethicist to complete the task. Make a  short multimedia presentation using notebook and include a reference page.

Section 1

Task

Complete the worksheet resources/stem_cell_worksheet.pdf using the link below

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/

 HAVE YOUR VOTE!

At this website you will be voting, which ever way you vote, it will prompt you to look at the other side

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3209/04.html~

Section 2

The technology exists to use human stem cells for medical purposes. These cells can be harvested from several sources. This is an extremely controversial issue which the National Science and Technology Council must consider. To do this, they must have advice from people who are experts in this area. You have been asked to be part of a committee consisting of a a scientist, and an ethicist. You will choose a role of ONE expert and will make recommendations based upon your research. These recommendations must answer the following question: 

The Big Question

 What recommendations should the committee make to the National Science and Technology Council regarding the use of government funds for stem cell research ?

Background information for all students.

Before you can begin to investigate the issues surrounding stem cell research, you will need to understand the science of stem cells and how they are being used for research.  The following Internet sites will help you to gain this knowledge.

Definition of Stem Cell http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stem-cells/CA00081

The Why Files Guide to Stem Cells http://whyfiles.org/127stem_cell/index.html 

Diagram of Stem Cell Cultivation http://whyfiles.org/127stem_cell/stem_cell_graphic.html 

Each student will choose a certain role.
You will research the issue of stem cell research from the point of view of the role you are playing. You will examine internet sites listed under your role plus any print resources you can obtain. You will keep a record of the websites and print materials with a summary or notes you take (for referencing). This information will be handed in and is part of your individual grade.  

Roles
Internet links have been provided for each role. Please feel free to search for related sites or use the Library/internet for current resources on this topic.

Scientist/Researcher

You have been working for the NIH (National Institute of Health) in Sydney, Australia on stem cell replacement. As part of a team you are involved in many aspects of stem cell research. You are very excited about the possibilities it may offer to improve the quality of life for many Australians. Since this research is rather new there are many unanswered questions and possibilities. You need funding to continue your research and need to explain why this is so important. Some questions you need to be able to answer are: 

Adult Stem Cells as Tissue Factories http://www.accessexcellence.org/WN/SUA12/stemcell4299.html

Ethicist

You investigate the ethical implications involved in using technology and medicine for the National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC). Your job is to look at all sides of the stem cell research issues. Some questions you need to be able to answer are: 

What will be your recommendation?

What recommendations you will make to the National Science and Technology Council?

You will make a short multimedia presentation, using notebook on your recommendations. You will write a summary of your decision.  You may use the notes you took from the websites and your own notes taken through research. You will include all references used during this task (see below).

References

 Create a table and list all references cited using the apa referencing guide.