Stem cells

In this WebQuest, students will read about current scientific research involving stem cells and how they are different from other cells in the human body. Students will answer a packet of questions about topics involving studies with stem cells, including treating diseases. Each website has some of the answers to the questions, but the questions will require information from two or more Web sites. Students should be able to compile information to answer the questions as they read through each site.

Stem cells

Students will use the Internet links provided to find out about current stem cell research. They will also read about embryonic and adult stem cells, stem cells' unique properties, how they are different than other types of cells in the human body, and what diseases they can help/cure. Students will write a summaries about two of the topics they researched in the process of answering the questions posed in the WebQuest. 

Objectives

• Investigate recent research involving stem cells
• Explore how stem cells are unique from other cells and their great potential
• Write a summary from the answers to the questions you answered

PROCESS 

While students look through the list of websites, the teacher should help students focus on the information they need to know to answer the given questions. Many of the listed websites have links to other web sites with relevant information. 

After completing the research, students will then write a summary using the answers to the given questions

Students should review the rubric to understand how their final product will be evaluated.

Encourage students to share their summaries with students in the class. If possible, allow students to post their summaries to a class or school Web page. Encourage students to use the feedback they receive as part of their self-assessment of the project.

• Each student will be given a packet of questions.
• Each student will be responsible for answering all of the questions in the packet.

LIST OF WEBSITES 

http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics5.aspx

https://www.cirm.ca.gov/patients/power-stem-cells

https://www.stemcyte.com/why-save-cord-blood/diseases-treated-with-stem…

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/diabetes/articles/20…

http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/stem-cells-and-medicine/

http://www.stemcellresearchnews.net/Diseases_Treated.aspx

http://www.explorestemcells.co.uk/majordiseasesstemcells.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/stem_cells/related-conditions/index.htm

http://www.eurostemcell.org/faq/what-diseases-and-conditions-can-be-tre…

http://www.cordblood.com/benefits-cord-blood/umbilical-cord-stem-cells/…

Each question is worth ten points (50 points total).  Answers are rayted by the following point scale: Excellent – 9-10 points; Very Good – 7-8 points; Good – 5-6 points; Satisfactory – 3-4 points; Poor – 1-2 points; and Unsatisfactory – 0 points.

Questions to be answered:

1. What are stem cells?

2. What makes stem cells unique?

3. What is the difference between adult and embryonic stem cells?  Where do they come from? What can they teach us?

4. What are the potential aplications od stem cell research?

5.Name two diseases/conditions which may be treated with stem cells and discuss how they are treated.  

Some diseases/conditions that can be treated with stem cells:

1. Spinal cord injury

2. Diabetes

3. Heart disease

4. Parkinson's disease

5. Alzheimer's disease

6. Lou Gehrig's disease

7. Lung diseases

8. Arthritis

After researching the topic, students should have a deeper understanding of stem cells. Students should be able to answer the questions provided about current stem cell research and its potential. After completing their research and answering the questions, students should be able to write a summary on the topics they researched.