Instructions
The Activity
1. Each Student will complete the "pre-survey" , " getting started worksheets" and website exploration. It is important to know basic information about stem cells before you start this project. In addition, your teacher will provide you with additional information to help you understand the stem cell basics (notes, videos, etc).
2. You will be placed into a "role playing group" .These roles are found on this website. A teacher may also wish to have students choose their own "role-playing" group. The viewpoint of the "role playing group"may not be that of your own. Understanding the controversy surrounding this issue, as well as various viewpoints, will help your understanding of the entire topic of stem cells.
3. Your "role playing group" will go to the link for your role and use the suggested resources in order to answer the questions specific to your role. Each person in the group will answer all of the questions for your role. You will then collaborate with your group and formulate the best answers for these questions . The suggested resources are meant to be a starting point, you may need to delve more deeply into books, periodical articles, and the internet. The questions will help you understand and investigate the science of stem cells as well as prepare your presentation at the "public hearing".
4. Your group will prepare a 2-3 minute presentationat the "public hearing" that promotes the passions and concerns of your role's point of view. You will get a chance to show your knowledge about stem cells in your presentation. This is not a debate format, but rather a sharing of the different perspectives. Think about how you will divide up the information to present!...You are to represent this roles perspective!...Be a great actor/actress!
Remember, your presentation must address the "big question".....
5. After each role playing group has presented at the public hearing, the entire class will reflect on the presentations. Students will be able to reflect on the knowledge they gain from the project as well as how they feel about the ethical concerns surrounding stem cells. Remember, we are not deciding if stem cell research is "right" or "wrong" rather we are making sure we understand all views on this ethical issue.
6. Each student will then get a chance to cast their vote about the Big Question " Should Federal Funds be used for stem cell research? What restrictions, if any, should there be?"