Activity 1: The Public Profile of Stem Cell Research

In this activity, students read secondary literature and trace the course of stem cell research as it applies to academic science, medicine, human rights, and business. The perspectives presented in the articles allow students to enter the stem cell research debates from multiple points of interest. This activity is designed as a teaser, and formal assessment or evaluation is not necessary. Rather, the assigned articles and accompanying questions cover a broad range of topics that only scratch the surface of stem cell research, stimulating students to ask questions about current methodologies and future research directions. The activity can serve as segue to lectures on such basic cell biology topics as cell signaling, cell differentiation, cloning, and embryogenesis, and can also be used in seminar courses to explore the relationship between science and other academic disciplines. Assignment 1 calls for individual reflection and does not necessarily use class time. Assignment 2 is an expanded version of Assignment 1 can involve individual readings, small group work, and class discussion during one class session. If used in a freshman seminar, Never Let Me Go, the novel by Ishiguro could also be assigned, as it depicts the life of a 31 year old clone. This activity aims for students to:

• Develop an appreciation for the complexity involved in the field of stem cell research and cloning
• Develop their own set of questions about the science, technology, and social impact of stem cell research
• Recognize that scientific advances are made by asking questions, seeking answers, and developing collaborations
• Distinguish between different sectors of biology, public and private, and identify ways in which they are interdependent.
• Recognize the influence that advances in basic science, law, business, human rights, and medicine can have on one another.

This Activity has two assignments for instructors to choose between or combine. The Teaching Notes outline strategies for implementation and possible alternatives for using these assignments.

Assignment 1: Personal Reflection
Assignment 2: Structured Class Discussion
Teaching Notes

For a downloadable/printable version in PDF format of these Activities visit Core Materials

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