Stem Cells Lesson Plans

Students examine their prior knowledge of cell regeneration and therapeutic use of stem cells. After reading an article, they discover new techniques for deriving embryonic stem cells. In groups, they research on the different types of stem cells and write about one aspect of interest to them.

Students explore the human body by participating in a card activity. In this stem cell lesson, students utilize different colored flash cards to represent different types of human cells in a science card game. Students define scientific terms such as cell, endoderm, and mesoderm before playing their game.

Students discover the differences in how stem cells develop and function depending on their source. They see how scientists are using stem cells - from a variety of sources - to study how they can be used to cure certain illnesses and afflictions.

Students use the Internet to discover information about human embryonic stem cells from the National Institutes of Health. They examine different sides of the debate to use or not to use stem cells. They can also listen to speeches given by politicians.

Students investigate how cell specialization takes place in vertebrate embryos; how white blood cells are specialized to fight viruses, and the role of master control genes in cell development. They investigate the stem cell research debate.

Students discuss an article on cloning and stem cells and complete an Internet cloning activity. In this genetic engineering lesson, students analyze stem cell issues by reading an article and participating in a class discussion. They complete a note sheet and an Internet cloning activity.

Do you need to review animal cell structure? Investigate the ways in which different types of cells interact in a common human reflex. Your students can explore the functions of stem cells, consider various illnesses and assess stem cells potential to aid in cures. This lesson uses resources from a textbook along with research on the internet and index cards (not included) as a source of information.

Students explore the various positions in the debate on stem cell research and then discuss these perspectives before formulating their own positions.

Learners study the steps of embryonic development. They distinguish between the advantages/disadvantages of embryonic stem cells vs. adult stem cells and discuss the ethical implications of stem cell research.

Students analyze different points of view for stem cell research.  In this genetic lesson, students explore stem cell research and the controversy surrounding it. Students prepare and engage in a debate with fellow classmates.