Description

Models are powerful tools for teaching science as they provide useful simplifications of structures and processes, helping to make the unseen seen and the complex simple.

With the Stem Cells 3-D Model Kit, your students will learn how stem cells are made and who they can be used in medicine. Stem cells enable us to grow and repair our tissues and may be able to treat incurable illnesses such as Parkinson's Disease and spinal injury. Stem cells can be obtained from embryos, adults or created from specialized adult cells.

Your students will use this exciting model to look at how stem cells can be induced using specific growth factors or retroviruses to become specialized cells that could be used medically. Covers how stem cells become differentiated into specialized cell types, totipotent stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, multipotent stem cells, how induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) are made and transdifferentiation between adult cell types. The model can also be used to discuss the ethics and technical challenges presented by stem cells.

The Model Making Kit includes enough materials for students to assemble up to 5 paper models working cooperatively. The comprehensive Teacher Resource Guide included provides illustrated readings, activities, key vocabulary and an assessment, along with teaching opportunities for students to Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend and Evaluate their understanding of the concepts presented.