Stem Cell Research (2 Parts)

Synopsis

Two 15-minute programmes on stem cell research - one on embryonic stem cells and the future of Parkinson’s Disease and the other on the ethics of stem cell research. Th

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2005

Year of production

2005

Notes

Both programmes were broadcast on Teachers TV on 12/12/2005.

Documentation

The Teachers’ TV website gives links to related online resources and support materials

Uses

A-level Biology students

Subjects

Biology; Medical sciences; FE

Keywords

genetics; medical ethics; Parkinson’s disease; stem cells

Online availability

URI

http://www.teachers.tv/subjectBlock.do?transmissionBlockId=205251&zoneId=2

Price

free

Delivery

Streamed/Download

Sections

Title

Stem Cell Research: The Issue

Synopsis

Stephen Cuff is only 39, but he suffers from Parkinson’s Disease. Conventional drugs have not been successful for Stephen, leaving him no option but to undergo brain surgery. His operation is successful, but it doesn’t cure him. One potential future cure is embryonic stem (ES) cell therapy. Professor Wilmut, who cloned Dolly the sheep, introduces the concept of stem cells and the science behind them, whilst presenting his opinion of the technology. Alison Davies, the chair of No Less Human, is a wheelchair user who would refuse ES cell therapy if it were available. She offers a different ethical perspective as to why the use of ES cells should not be permitted The differing opinions of leading cell biologists at a recent stem cell conference are also included.

Duration

15 mins

Title

Stem Cell Research: The Lesson

Synopsis

This programme shows how a teacher structures a lesson for a top set Year 9 group around the controversial issue of embryonic stem (ES). Using the example of Stephen Cuff, a young man whose life has been ruined by Parkinson’s Disease, she introduces the pupils to the idea that stem cell research could cure a host of diseases and conditions. She explains how embryonic stem cells could help before opening up an ethical debate on the subject. To help the pupils explore the issues without becoming too emotionally involved, the teacher chooses characters for them to portray. These characters include stem cell researchers, people like Stephen who could benefit from the research and people who are opposed to it. The groups then present their ideas in character, with some surprising results. Also present is Ralph Levinson from the Institute of Education who gives the teacher some valuable feedback on her lesson.

Duration

15 mins

Distributor

Name

Teachers’ TV

Email

info@teachers.tv

Web

http://www.teachers.tv/ External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7182 7430

Address

6-18 Berners Street
London
W1T 3LN

Notes

Funded by the Department for Education, Teachers’ TV was a producer and supplier of over 3,600 free videos and lesson resources to support the professional development of anyone working in school, enabling them to widen their skills, develop their practice, and connect with others in the field. Previously broadcast on digital television, the service became exclusively online from 31 August 2010, with programmes being available for free online viewing or download. Thge DfE terminated the contract with Teachers TV and delivery via the website ceased on 29 April 2011, with the programmes being offered to educational distributors free online delivery. Further details from the DfE website Until 29 April 2011 programmes from Teachers Television were streamed on the website and available for download to registered users (free registration). Programmes are aimed at primary and secondary school teachers in all subject areas, as well as headteachers and governors, and include observation of teaching sessions, materials for use in the classroom and discussion of issues relevant to education. Teachers TV was funded by the Department for Education but the contract ended in April 2011 and the programmes are being offered to educational distributors to deliver free at the point of use from their websites. Details of which titles are available in this way are on the DfE website http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/toolsandinitiatives/teacherstv