Stem cells-Activities

	Published by Australian Academy of Science
Activities \| Stem cells – gateway to 21st century medicine

Genetics Science Learning Center (University of Utah, USA)
- Stem cells in the spotlight overview – provides 15 different activities relating to stem cells. Activities include 'What are some different types of stem cells?'; 'What are some issues in stem cell research?'; and 'Embryos-R-Us', a case study which has students act as stakeholders to discuss what to do with unused frozen embryos.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science (University of Buffalo, USA)
- Stem cells – promises to keep? – students learn about embryonic and adult stem cells then discuss biomedical applications and ethical issues. Case teaching notes are available.
- Saving superman – a look into stem cell research – students use this case study to learn about the main concepts of stem cell research and therapy and the political and ethical issues surrounding these subjects. Case study teaching notes are available.
Daily Lesson Plan (New York Times Learning Network, USA)
- Variety is the spice of cellular life – students review animal cell structure, explore the functions of stem cells and assess ways in which stem cells might aid in treatments and cures.
- A new you! Learning how stem cells can repair the body – students learn how stem cells function and how they might help bodies heal.
Bioethics Outreach (Iowa State University, USA)
- The orphan embryos: A case study in bioethics – provides a case study and a series of questions.
- Whose property are they? – outlines a scenario involving IVF embryos and an ensuing divorce case. Students take different roles in the hypothetical proceedings. (This activity was written for a particular class, but could be adapted for use in any classroom.)

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Page updated December 2006.

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This topic is sponsored by the National Centre for Advanced Cell Engineering Facility.