Scenario

A close relative in your family has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. You have done some reading on the subject, and have discovered that stem cell research is providing some promising help for those suffering from the disease. However, the research is very controversial.

Recent advances in genetics have promised to revolutionize medicine. But along with these advances come difficult ethical questions which have ignited passionate debate.

Where does the use of embryonic tissue fit into the abortion debate?
How can ethically controversial research be regulated?
Do the potential medical benefits override ethical issues?

For additional background information, read:
Embryonic Stem Cells
Ethics of Stem Cell Research

Task and Product

You must thoroughly research the issue, take a position for or against funding, and design a personal plan of action or a video commercial.

You must provide background information on stem cell research and the scope of the issue. Alternatives and guidelines should be presented. You must then develop a personal plan of action or your commercial based on your decision to support or oppose federal funding of stem cell research. Action plans and videos will be shared with the class in a three minute presentation.

Assessments

You will be graded on your daily work on the research process as well as on your final product and presentation.

Research Process - Summative (Student/Self/Peer)
Research Process - Summative (Teacher)
Action Plan
Oral Report with Visuals HTML form Word Document
VoiceThread (html)

Question

Jump-start your thinking! Try these questions :
How do researchers obtain embryonic tissue for research?
What are stem cells?
What is the difference between adult and embryonic stem cells?
What is the best type of stem cell to use for research?
Can stem cells be donated?
Who owns the stem cells?
Are there any legal activities (state and or national laws) that control or prohibit stem cell research and or use?
Who is currently funding stem cell research?

Gather, Sort, and Cite

• Avoiding Plagiarism (Safari Montage)
• Avoiding Plagiarism (Print Document)
• MLA Bibliography (Print Document)
• EasyBib Citation Creator

Organize

Analyze your completed research notes to determine if you have answered all of your questions adequately as well as the essential question .

Synthesize your findings by creating a first draft of your proposal. Consider the following questions as you prepare your first draft.

• Which facts would offer your audience the clearest and most accurate understanding of your particular opinion?
• Are certain issues more important than others? Why?
• What is the final message you want your audience to walk away with?

Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task.

• Have you gathered sufficient details about the issue in order to write your action plan?
• Have you used details to support your stance? Are they reflected in your action plan?
• Are you ready to write your plan and plan for your presentation?

Conclusion

Presentation/Reflection/Extension

Present your action plan to your designated audience. Enhance your presentation with visuals that will provide details to support your opinion and confirm the focus of your action plan.

Reflect what you have learned in a learning log.