Unit Plan
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry

Abpi: Stem Cell Research

For Students 9th - 10th
Students learn about stem cells, and how these cells are used in medical research and treatments. Find out scientific facts, read several case studies, and participate in a group debate activity to explore the ethics of this topic. A...
Article
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Life's Greatest Miracle: Stem Cell Debate

For Students 9th - 10th
This essay from NOVA: "Life's Greatest Miracle" explores the debate over the use of embryonic stem cells in scientific research.
Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Stem Cells: Seeds of Hope?

For Students 9th - 10th
This video explores the basic scientific and ethical questions surrounding the use of stem cells in medical research.
Article
Other

Canadian Institutes of Health Research: Human Stem Cell Research [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
A recent study in which the authors examined the health and ethical issues related to human stem cell research. As a result of this study, Canada did allow human stem cell research to proceed. The report is in PDF format.
Article
American Institute of Biological Sciences

Action Bioscience: Stem Cells for Cell Based Therapies

For Students 9th - 10th
Understand why stem cells are sought after for healing human diseases through cell-based therapies in this article and its supporting resources.
Handout
The Washington Post

Mice Stem Cells Made Without Harm to Embryos

For Students 9th - 10th
Scientists have found that stem cells can be grown without destroying healthy embryos. This article reviews the discovery and comments on it's ethical implications.
Handout
University of Utah

University of Utah: What Are Some Issues in Stem Cell Research?

For Students 9th - 10th
A very nice presentation and explanation of the issues and questions related to stem cell research. Not a lot of detail, but a great place to start framing the questions.
Website
American Academy of Achievement

Academy of Achievement: Shinya Yamanaka, m.d., ph.d.

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Japanese stem cell researcher Shinya Yamanaka. Few medical discoveries have had the immediate impact that his did. He was able to transform normal human cells into stem cells. This extinguished the raging debate over the...
Handout
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry

Abpi: Biotechnology

For Students 9th - 10th
Students read through a complete, interactive lesson on biotechnology. An activity at the end allows students to research and present arguments for or against statements about the ethics of gene therapy and gene manipulation.
Handout
Nature Research

Scitable: Genetics and Society

For Students 9th - 10th
Get an in-depth look at the ethical, legal, and social implications genetic technologies have on society. Explore the ethical considerations that genetics has on our society with the advances in genetically-tailored treatments, genetic...
Website
PBS

Pbs Bloodlines: Technology Hits Home

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is a must see for any lesson or unit on biotechnology! It is a companion to the PBS video "Bloodlines: Technology Hits Home," although it can certainly be used without the video. It's a fantastic site that will challenge...
Unit Plan
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry

Abpi: Cloning

For Students 9th - 10th
An in-depth look at cloning and the technology behind it. Students work through interactive learning material, understanding the ethics involved in all types of cloning. There is a suggested classroom activity and a self-checking quiz at...
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs Bloodlines: Making Precedent

For Students 9th - 10th
Excellent site where students are challenged to read several case studies and make choices about what they would do in the situation. After they choose they are presented with some of the consequences that their decision may produce in...