NWABR Stem Cell Resources

NEW! NWABR Stem Cell Curriculum

One of the best parts of doing the stem cell unit with my high school students was listening to them during the debriefing. Over and over I heard them say how much more informed they felt now, like they really had a solid opinion based on all of the facts and not just what they heard adults say. They felt that having all of the information available to them to make an informed decision was powerful, and they were proud of the fact that they were informed citizens capable of making a choice and defending it.

-Nancy Mouat-Rich, Bethel High School, Spanaway, WA, Field Test Teacher

Stem Cell Curriculum Draft

Secondary Level
This unit, which was designed by teachers in conjunction with scientists, ethicists, and curriculum developers, explores the scientific and ethical issues involved in stem cell research. The unit begins with an exploration of planaria as a model organism for stem cell research. Next, students identify stages in the development of human embryos and compare the types and potency of stem cells. Students learn about a variety of techniques used for obtaining stem cells and the scientific and ethical implications of those techniques. While exploring the ethics of stem cell research, students will develop an awareness of the many shades of gray that exist among positions of stakeholders in the debate. Students will be provided an opportunity to become familiar with policies and regulations for stem cell research that are currently in place in the United States, the issues regarding private and public funding, and the implications for treatment of disease and advancement of scientific knowledge.

The unit culminates with students developing a position on embryonic stem cell research through the use of a Decision-Making Framework. Two culminating assessments are offered: In the individual assessment, students write a letter to the President or the President’s Bioethics Committee describing their position and recommendations; In the group assessment, students develop a proposal for NIH funding to research treatment for a chosen disease using either embryonic or 'adult' stem cells.

The complete five-lesson HIV Vaccine Curriculum is now available free for download. In order for us to measure how our curriculum resources are being used, we request that you please complete the brief information form before being directed to the download page. We will not share your contact information with anyone.

Click here to submit your information and be directed to the Stem Cell Curriculum Page.

If you would like to participate in our field test, or would like to provide feedback on the Stem Cell Curriculum, please contact us.

Development of the Stem Cell Curriculum was made possible by 'Collaborations to Advance Understanding of Science in Ethics', a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, 1R25RR016284-01A2.

NWABR Teacher Developed Lessons
From our Ethics in the Science Classroom Workshop


Selected Online Resources for Stem Cells
PDF version
Webpage of Online Resources


Background Information for Teachers
Stem Cell Background Information


Stem Cell Vocabulary - Comparison Table (one page handout)
Toti-, Pluri-, and Multipotent, Adult vs. Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Techniques - Comparison Diagram (one page handout)
Making Embryonic Stem Cell Lines (diagram)


Stem Cell Powerpoint - Research Scientist
Powerpoint from 2005 Ethics in the Science Classroom Presentation by
Denise Inman, PhD, University of Washington

For more information contact:

Jeanne Chowning
Education Manager, NWABR
jchowning@nwabr.org

NWABR is a 501(c)3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
The NWABR web site was made possible by funding from the National Center for Research
Resources and the National Institutes of Health through a Science Education Partnership Award.

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