The Scientist's Process

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The Jewish View on Stem Cell Research

The Scientist. You must teach the group about stem cell research without getting too complicated in your explanation. Find out about which issues that you, a scientist, are concerned with regarding stem cell research. Above all, you need to take a position as to whether stem cell research should be supported or opposed. Organize your data. The Scientist’s tasks are:

1.     In layman’s terms:

a.      Define stem cells

b.     Explain what it is about stem cells that provide promise in the medical arena.

c.     Describe how stem cells are obtained, stored and studied, and discarded.

d.     Describe medical and scientific issues that affect stem cell research.

2.     Use the links provided to research the answers to the above questions.

3.     Discuss issues facing scientists regarding:

a.      Pursuit of scientific knowledge

b.     Legal or religious constraints to the pursuit of knowledge

c.     Need for scientific discovery and innovation.

d. Society benefits from research.

d.     Profit motives in regard to stem cell research.

4.     What stem cell related discoveries in the last six months affect the issues raised in previous years?

5.     Write a “Scientist’s report” detailing the issues and answers gleaned from the material research.

6.     Provide an appropriate bibliography

7.     Discuss and hand the completed report to the college student at the summary meeting.

Rabbi Heschel Weiner       June 29, 2005 11:21:09 PM