You will be given an article to read, various websites, and a class discussion of stem cell research. Start with the Genetic Science Learning Center and the animation called Stem Cell Guy to get background information about stem cells. You may want to take some notes over each section. Note that there are additional reference links that can be used for your paper. National Institutes of Health has a great PDF file on stem cells.

Listen carefully, read through all the material, ask questions and then answer the multiple choice and constructed response questions given in class. Then for homework, read and write the essay concerning the President's use of federal monies for stem cell research. Do you agree with the President's policy based on what you know? Why or why not?

The following is a statement from President Bush concerning his policy on stem cell research. Be sure to fill in the graphic organizer given in class and then wordprocess your opinion concerning President Bush's policy.

The paper should not exceed two typewritten pages, double spaced. DO NOT USE "I" (first person). Write it as if everything you are stating is a fact. Add your references to the bottom of the last page of the paper.

"As a result of private research, more than 60 genetically diverse stem cell lines already exist. I have concluded that we should allow federal funds to be used for research on these existing stem cell lines where the life and death decision has already been made. This allows us to explore the promise and potential of stem cell research without crossing a fundamental moral line by providing taxpayer funding that would sanction or encourage further destruction of human embryos that have at least the potential for life."

--George W. Bush

START YOUR PAPER WITH THE FOLLOWING CLAIM:

The policy outlined by President Bush (will or will not) address the present need for federal funding of stem cell research.

Needs Improvement

Organizer is complete with accurate details necessary to provide a unique perspective

9-10 points

All sections are complete

7-8 points

Lacking details in some sections.

4-6 points

Organizer is incomplete and/or sections are missing.

0-3 points

Provides careful and reasoned support for the claim. There is a clear alignment between the supporting statements and detailed evidence. Considers what evidence could affect the evaluation of this claim.

9-10 points

No major errors in presenting the supporting statements that are backed by evidence.

7-8 points

Lacking support for all aspects of the claim and/or does not supply evidence directly linked to the supporting statements.

4-6 points

Fails to provide support or evidence for the claim or fails to link support to evidence.

0-3 points

The essay is written in appropriate paragraph form. Transitions make the essay flow well. It is legible and has few errors in grammar, punctuation and/or spelling.

5 points

The essay has some errors in paragraph form. Several errors in grammar, punctuation and /or spelling slow the reader.

3-4 points

The essay is not written in paragraph form. Grammar, punctuation and/or spelling make the paragraph difficult to understand.

1-2 points

The essay is not in paragraph form or incomplete. Grammar, punctuation and/or spelling prevent the essay from being readable.

0 points