OverviewThis lesson is designed to introduce students to the concepts of stem cells and regeneration using planaria as a model organism. Students will learn how neuroscience research promotes health and leads to understanding and therapies. Additionally, students will discuss ways to do such research ethically. In the lab portion, students will explore how the plant extracts they made previously in the Infusions & Decoctions: Preparing Plant Extracts lesson affect planaria regeneration.Download the Lesson Plan VideosLinksPlanaria regeneration from HHMI Planarian Regeneration and Stem Cells video HHMI 11 :47 minutes Planaria: A window on Regeneration- Exploratorium Stem Cells: Cells with Potential - Exploratorium The Science and Ethics of Stem Cell Research- A curriculum for grades 7-12 from the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research, focusing on Planaria and stem cell research https://www.nwabr.org/sites/default/files/Planaria_Teacher.pdf The Science and Ethics of Animal Research- A curriculum for grades 6-12 from the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research http://nwabr.org/curriculum/animals-research Speaking Honestly – Animal Research Education (SHARE)- A program designed to guide educators in leading a discussion-based classroom activity on the different views on the use of animals in research. The activity requires a single class period of 50-75 minutes. |
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