Chapter 1: Cell Biology
Lesson 9: Stem cells Lesson overview AQA Specification reference AQA 4.1.2.3
Learning objectives • Describe the function of stem cells in embryonic and adult animals. • Discuss potential benefits and risks associated with the use of stem cells in medicine.
Learning outcomes • Describe and recognise stem cells. [O1] • Explain how stem cells can be used to cure diseases and repair damaged tissues and organs. [O2] • Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using stem cells in ethical and moral terms. [O3]
Skills development • WS 1.3 Appreciate the power and limitations of science and consider any ethical issues which may arise. • WS 1.4 Explain everyday and technological applications of science; evaluate associated personal, social, economic and environmental implications; and make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments. • WS 4.1 Use scientific vocabulary, terminology and definitions. Resources needed Plants that have been grown from cuttings, or a plant from which cuttings may be taken; rooting hormone; Worksheets 1.9.1 and 1.9.2 Digital resources Presentation 1.9 Key vocabulary adult stem cell, culture, embryonic stem cell, ethical, in-vitro fertilisation
Teaching and learning Engage • Ask students to name and draw some differentiated cells. Show them the PowerPoint slide, which looks at the cells of an embryo. Ask students to describe the different types of cells they see. Ask students to discuss in pairs how ordinary cells turn into specialised cells. [O1] • Show students cuttings of plants that have been grown into new plants, or demonstrate taking a cutting from a plant. Ask students to discuss in pairs how different plant structures might develop from simple cuttings. [O1] • Introduce the term ‘stem cell’ as a cell that is undifferentiated, using the PowerPoint slide. Explain that, under the right hormonal and genetic signals, stem cells can be turned into cells with particular functions. [O1]
Challenge and develop • Ask students to watch the following video on the use of stem cells. [O1, O2] www.cells4life.co.uk (search terms: ‘video’ and ‘how do stem cells work’) • Show students the PowerPoint slides of different types of stem cells and applications relating to them. [O1, O2] • Ask students to read and discuss the information in Worksheet 1.9.1 (low and standard demand) or Worksheet 1.9.2 (high demand) and answer the differentiated tasks. Low and standard demand: • Write a list of the advantages and disadvantages of using stem cells. • Why are some religions against the use of stem cells? AQA GCSE Biology: Trilogy: Teacher Pack
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