A webquest for Ms. Joslin's science classes at Leestown Math Science Technology Magnet School.
| Designed by |
| Kim Overstreet |
| District Technology Resource Teacher |
| Introduction
|
Should scientists be allowed to develop immortalized
human stem cell lines for use in creating powerful new medical therapies?
Should the the government fund aspects of this research?
On Saturday, March 29th, 2002 following a daylong symposium on the science, law and ethics of stem cell research, these questions will be put to a vote before a representative body of National Science and Technology Council. This Council advises the President and Congress on issues such as this. Part of the session will focus on the science of stem cell research. Many researchers believe that cell replacement therapies based on this research hold out promise for the treatment or cure of many diseases like cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and other serious neurological disorders. Some scientists question, however, whether it will ever be necessary to use stem cells derived from embryos or fetuses. It will also focus on the ethics and law of stem cell research. A panel of speakers on all sides of the issues will present their views. A final plenary session will allow the audience and students to put questions to the day's roster of speakers. Should the government fund stem cell research? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Task |
The technology exists to use human stem cells for
medical purposes. These cells can be harvested from several sources. This
is an extremely controversial isue 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, an ethicist, and a politican. You
will take on the roles of the experts 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 ? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Process |
 You
will be assigned to teams of 3 students.
 Each team member
will take a certain role. This decision is made within the group.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. This information will be handed in and is part of your individual grade. Roles
You have been working for the NIH (National Institute 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:
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:
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 the voters in your district 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 other voters have written to you about not funding this research because of religious and moral concerns. You need to be able to respond to these voters intelligently about these issues. 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:
|
Background
information for all students.
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.
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 may
give an oral presentation, or a multimedia presentation, such as
PowerPoint.
You will
have to present to the National Science and Technology Council a
comprehensive summary of the findings of your group. 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.
You as
an individual will write a summary of your groups decision as a
transactive piece for your portfolio. You may use the notes
you took from the websites and the notes you took from your fellow
group members.