Stem Cell Research Educating a Class on a Future Miracle

1. Stem Cell ResearchEducating a Class on a Future Miracle Andrew Latham Mentor: Tanya Hoy Advisor: Vicie Records Teacher: Nan Danehower

2. Why I chose Stem Cell Research • I chose stem cell research because science is easily the most interesting subject on the planet, and a application such as stem cell research can offer superior living for mankind. • I had only heard from biased news stations about the topic, and I wanted to make my own decision.

3. Should Stem Cell Research be Legal? • Stem cell research is what it sounds like, using stem cells to cure diseases previously incurable. • There are three types of stem cells: adult, embryonic, and amniotic. • Frighteningly, a large number of people in the nation only know about it through biased news stations.

4. Pros and Cons • Pros • It is a promising and innovative branch of science, that may possibly cure previously incurable diseases. • “Life begins at birth.” • This is the most effective form of stem cells. • Cons • Unborn fetuses are being callously murdered for sick and injured human beings to keep on living. • “Live begins at fertilization.” • There are other sources of stem cells.

5. Teaching a Class to Learn for Themselves • For my product, I decided to teach a class about stem cell research because most news stations are overly biased and only present one side of the story. • People need to be aware of all the facts instead of just listening to select others. • It relates to my research because it forces people to view the issue from both sides, just like I had to.

6. Learning Stretch • This project had an unbelievable amount of learning stretch, as I had to find and present the issue from both sides without trying to persuade the class that I was right. • I also had to learn how to stand up and talk in front of a group of people, which I had never had to do before, and it was not fun.

7. Steps in My Product • 1. Find Mentor • 2. Make a Lesson Plan • 3. Make a PowerPoint • 4. Make the Handout • 5. Arranged a date with the Teacher • 6. Taught the Class

8. Mentor • My mentor was Tanya Hoy. • She is a teacher at North Johnston Middle School. • She really helped me with how to arrange a lesson that combines both factual information and interesting views. • I probably could not have done this without her.

9. Obstacles • Main issue: I procrastinated, and I waited until the last minute to do just about everything. • I had trouble finding time to meet with my mentor, seeing as how she’s always busy and I had some things going on too. • PowerPoint broke down when I was almost done with the first one, so I had to start over.

10. Successes • I got it done. As lazy, procrastinating, and lethargic as I was, I did it. • Once I got started, it was actually not too bad working. • I felt like I educated some people and hopefully they will think more about world issue, not just stem cell research.

11. Self-Reflection • Overall, I felt like this was a worthwhile endeavor. I learned a little something about myself, and I learned that working with a partner makes the work so much easier and enjoyable. • Also, I learned not to procrastinate.

12. Thank you for your time. Any questions?