A growing set of downloadable, mix-and-match stem cell resources and activities suitable for a variety of educational settings. All components have been extensively tested, and come with full instructions.
Available in several European languages.
TELESCOPE is a set of scenarios and discussion prompts to support a debate on the ethical questions surrounding embryonic stem cell research and its applications. The materials were developed as part of a 2-day event culminating in a video conference debate between two schools, but the activities lend themselves equally well to in-class discussion and debate.
Prior knowledge needed
Students will need an understanding of what embyronic stem cells are, how an embryo develops and what invitro fertilisation (IVF) is. You may find the following materials useful to introduce key concepts prior to using the TELESCOPE discussion cards:
T.E.L.E.S.C.O.P.E. stands for Trans-European Learning on Embryonic Stem Cells and debate Opinions on Policies in Europe. It was an initiative of the EU research project ESTOOLS, which has now closed. More information about the original event series is on the ESTOOLS website.
This 5.5 minute video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW examines the work of medical researchers who are developing new techniques to repair and replace failing human organs by growing them from a patient’s own cells, thus preventing organ rejection. Organs can be grown on both synthetic scaffolds and the nonliving protein skeleton of an existing organ. If perfected, the techniques could save the lives of thousands of people who die before donor organs become available.
In this 3.5 minute podcast (MP3) for and by teachers, Teacher Institute Postdoctoral Fellow Julie Yu explains what a stem cell is and why they are important. Teacher Institute Teaching Tips is a bite-sized podcast series of almost 70 episodes for science teachers, by science teachers. Each short episode gives pedagogy tips, science history, hands-on activities, or other ideas for the science classroom.
In this lesson, students will:
Although blind since childhood as the result of an accident, Lucy has never given up hope that one day she might see again. So, when her ophthalmologist tells her about a study being conducted at the University Medical Center that might help her regain some sight, Lucy is eager to sign on. This case explores the use of adult stem cells and amniotic membranes to restore vision after traditional transplants have failed. It would be appropriate for students of biology, physiology, and health-related fields.
In this activity you will first produce an ethical matrix and then use it as a tool to discuss some ethical issues surrounding stem cells.
An extract from the BBSRC publication Stem cells - science and ethics (3rd edition).
Three discussion-based activities exploring the regulation of stem cell research. An extract from the BBSRC publication Stem cells - science and ethics (3rd edition).
Designed primarily for post-16 students to use themselves, the full booklet also contains classroom activities.