CASE TEACHING NOTES
for
“Stem Cells: Promises to Keep?”

by
Lauren E. Yaich
Department of Natural Sciences
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND

The field of stem cell research is a slightly confusing one at this time.
—Price and Williams, 2001

This quotation aptly summarizes the current state of stem cell research. Nevertheless, despite the challenges of handling a still evolving topic in the classroom, it is a fascinating area to explore with college students. The fact that both the ethics and the science of stem cell research are still in a state of flux and controversy makes it a valuable learning tool. It gives students a chance to realize that scientists don’t have all the answers yet and that there are very different views about stem cell biology that are currently being hotly debated. Students will learn that the scientific process is a lively one, and not as dull and dry as they might have supposed.

Objectives

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CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

This case was designed for use in an undergraduate upper-level cell biology or developmental biology class. The instructor should provide the students with relevant readings prior to the class session or alternatively (and perhaps more desirably, given the fast-moving nature of this field) have the students locate recent articles on stem cells.

In this case study, the first half of the class would be spent discussing the biology of stem cells and the potential biomedical uses for them. This could be done either by having the instructor lead the discussion with the entire class or by having the class break-up into smaller groups to come up with answers to key questions followed by a wrap up with the entire class. The second half of the class would involve a debate focused on the ethics of stem cell use. The class could be split into two sides, with one side explaining the reasons for Samantha’s views and the other side explaining the reasons for Brad’s beliefs. The instructor would function as a moderator for the debate.

Since many of the ethical issues surrounding embryonic stem cell use revolve around the destruction of embryos for therapeutic purposes, many students are likely to feel very emotional about this topic, particularly if they have strong views about the abortion issue. Therefore, an effort should be made by the instructor before the debate begins to encourage the participants to exercise classroom civility, and to demonstrate a respect for free speech, which may lead to a discussion of viewpoints that differ dramatically from their own. Additionally, if the participants representing each side are chosen randomly, which is probably the most desirable way to run this exercise, it should be made clear to the students that they should not assume that the views stated by a given “side” in the debate are necessarily representative of the personal beliefs of each individual member.

Potential Questions for the Students


REFERENCES

Note that our understanding of this field is currently in an extremely fast-moving phase, with many of the major concepts and “facts” in a state of flux. Therefore, it will be essential for the instructor and students to locate and use the most recent articles as possible. This reference list is only intended to be a starting point.

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Websites

Acknowledgments: This case was developed with support from The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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Date Posted: 07/09/02 nas

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