Unit 1: Embryonic Stem Cells, Natural and In Vitro Fertilization, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
By Kathy Keeran, Lonnie Simonson and Laurel Barchas
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Suggested time frame: One to six class periods
Course level: Beginning Biology, review for AP biology, community college beginning biology classes
Inquiry teaching: Read how to modify the curriculum for inquiry teaching
- View Unit 1 Lesson Plans
- Download Unit 1 Teacher Background Information [pdf]
- Download Unit 1 Teacher Glossary [pdf] (refers to terms in Teacher Background Information document)
- Download Unit 1 Student Glossary [pdf]
- Download Unit 1 Bibliography [pdf]
- Go to Introductory Lesson download page
Brief Outline of Unit 1
View Detailed Unit 1 Lessons Outline
I. INVITATION
A. Writing activity with science and society discussion
II. EXPLORATION
A. Natural fertilization and origins of stem cells; development of embryonic stem cell lines
1. Lecture with PowerPoint – stages of embryonic and fetal development
2. Animation of natural fertilization
3. Virtual lab – sea urchin fertilization and development
4. Human embryonic development – when/where different types of stem cells occur
B. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and what happens to un-implanted embryos
1. Video clips, animations, and discussion of the IVF procedure
C. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) techniques, uses, and ethical considerations
1. Animation and discussion of ability of stem cells to differentiate, medical uses
2. Jigsaw study of scientific paper summaries with activity instructions
III. APPLICATION
1. Discussion of ethics of PGD following jigsaw activity
2. Ranking exercise of policy options
IV. ASSESSMENT
1. Short answer quiz format or can be used as thought/discussion questions