Teacher’s Questions for Stem cells: The secret to change

SCIENCE

Before reading:

• How do cells multiply?

 

During reading:

• What are stem cells?
• Why does the medical community find stem cell science so exciting?
• Name one location in the human body where stem cells are found.
• Blood stems cells can develop into what types of cells?
• What is the difference between adult and pluripotent stem cells?
• Why makes embryonic stem cells controversial?
• How are adult stem cells limited in their potential?
• What did Shinya Yamanaka discover?
• List three advantages to induced pluripotent stem cells over other types.
• What is the goal of Anne Cherry’s research?
• Explain how glaucoma can lead to blindness.
• How might stem cells help reverse the damage caused by glaucoma?
• What did Nick Jeffery seek to encourage in damaged nerve cells?

 

After reading:

• Explain in your own words why stem cells could allow the body to heal itself.
• The researchers featured in this story work on different health problems. What are some features those problems share in common?

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

• Should society permit scientists to work with embryonic stem cells? Why or why not? Explain your position.