Stem cells have two outstanding properties: they multiply into identical copies and differentiate into specialized cells with special properties.
In a double lesson, students develop an understanding of stem cells, present them as a keynote address at the stem cell conference, and develop reprogramming models from the body cell to the pluripotent stem cell.

Materials and tasks for the lesson Basics

In this lesson, the students develop the basics of stem cell research. They slip into the role of scientists and prepare themselves as conference participants a prelude speech (keynote) and a lecture series (session). Topics are the different types of stem cells, the different forms of reprogramming and blood stem cells as pioneers of stem cell research. 

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Types of stem cells Download PDF 

Presentation of different stem cell types from embryonic stem cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) read more ...

Blood stem cells Download PDF

Blood stem cells are the first stem cells that have been researched. Even today, researchers are studying blood stem cells and working to develop new methods for the use in the clinic. read more ...

Forms of reprogramming Download PDF

How any body cell can be made into a pluripotent stem cell - reprogramming makes it possible to bring the nucleus of any cell of the body back to an early embryonic stage of development. read more ...

Development of pluripotent cells Download PDF

This graphic shows at a glance how pluripotent stem cells can arise. read more ...

Task Sheet Download PDF

Task Keynote: Develop an overview of the stem cell types. Present your overview of stem cell types as a keynote.

Task Session: You receive scientific material on one of the three topics of blood stem cells, reprogramming or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Work together with your session group in a nutshell on the essential facts. Prepare for the session.

The lesson series is structured like a scientific conference - the students assume the role of a scientist. They develop the research knowledge and present it in the different formats of a conference.
Keynotes are important lectures at the beginning of large conferences. They are held by specially recognized scientists. A keynote often deals with the central themes of the conference.

Sessions are series of lectures in a conference. In sessions, several specialist lectures will be held that fit together in terms of content. They are presented in smaller groups. After the presentations, the session participants ask questions and discuss. For large conferences, multiple sessions often take place simultaneously (parallel sessions).

Commentary for the teacher Download PDF

 

Graphic: Blood stem cells Download EPS
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Graphic: Reprogramming Download EPS
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Graphic: Pluripotency Download EPS
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Information and approaches for independent opinions on ethical aspects

 

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