1. You'll be assigned to a team of 4 students.
2. Background Information for All
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.
- NIH FACT SHEET ON HUMAN PLURIPOTENT STEM CELL RESEARCH GUIDELINE
- Guide to Stem Cells
This site that gives a good visualization of stem cells.
3. Each person in your group will be assigned a specific role. You will investigate 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 and any other sites you find, 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. Be sure to include a Works Sited slide in your final presentation.
Roles
Internet links have been provided for each role. Please feel free to search for related sites or use the Library/Media Center for current resources such as newspapers or periodicals.
Scientist/Researcher
You have been working for the NIH (National Insitute of Health) in Bethesda, Maryland 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 Americans. Since this research is rather new there are many unanswered questions and possibilities. You need funding to continue your research and need to explain to your group why this is so important. Some questions you need to be able to answer are
How will stem cell research benefit humanity?
What is necessary for stem cell research to be able to take place?
"What would you hope to achieve from human pluripotent stem cell research?"Adult Stem Cells as Tissue Factories
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 are the ethical issues which surround this research?
Who are the groups who will have ethical objections to make against this research?
What are these objections?
Stem Cells: Science and the ResearchEthics, Stem Cells and Spinal Cord Repair
Politician: Democratic OR Republican
You are a leader on the Health and Human Services Committee.This department oversees federal spending on medical research. The NIH has applied for 250 millions dollars to be used for stem cell research. Many of your constituents have communicated that they want this research funded for personal reasons such as family health problems that might be helped by this. On the other hand constituents have written to you about not funding this research because of religious and moral concerns. You need to be able to respond to these constituents intelligently about these issues, bearing in mind the political party which you have been assigned. Also you have been asked to work with the scientist and ethicist to make recommendations. Some questions you need to be able to answer are:
Why are some constituents for stem cell research and some are against it?
What role does the government play in this issue?
The Politics of Stem CellsPresident Discusses Stem Cell Research
4. Next you will meet with your group and share your information based on your role. You will listen and take notes as your teammates share their research. You will need to reach consensus concerning what recommendations you will make to National Science and Technology Council.
5. Now your team will write the recommendations you have agreed on. Working as team you will decide how you are going to present your recommendations to National Science and Technology Council. You will need to give an oral presentation of your position supported by PowerPoint Slides.
6. You will have to present to the National Science and Technology Council a comprehensive summary of the findings of each of the roles. You must explain to the National Science and Technology Council the recommendations you have come to as a group, justifying each of these recommendations. This presentation must be presented in as professional a manner as possible. Remember that no PowerPoint or visual aid can stand by itself - it can only complement your presentation. At the end of the presentation, you must be prepared to answer questions from Committee members.