Stem cells thinking tool
This resource supports the teaching of stem cells for GCSE AQA biology. It aims to improve the quality of student discussion through the use of Fox’s thinking tool and develop thinking skills, enabling students to apply their knowledge when answering divergent exam questions.
Students should have some understanding of the distinction between differentiated and undifferentiated cells. They may also be familiar with stem cells.
Resources for use by the students can come from textbooks, the internet, revision guides, videos, homework etc. There is then follow up extension work. The individual work to complete the activity depends on the scheme of work being used e.g. workbook pages.
You will need to provide:
- A4 paper, glue and card
- sources of information for each group, based on three different themes.
Suggested themes are:
- how embryonic stem cells are used in medicine
- where these stem cells come from
- ethical considerations for using embryonic stem cells.
Information sources can be varied depending on the group and could include:
- textbooks
- students' own notes
- prepared information cards
- revision guides
- online videos
- Teachit's Stem cells resource.
The PowerPoint contains student instructions and brief background information about differentiated cells versus undifferentiated cells. The Word document / PDF contains teaching notes.
