Title: 9.3.3 What's the Controversy
Course: ATEP - Biotechnology Module B > Section: Extended Learning Applications

Assignment:

Below are a list of statements about stem cells. Some are true. Some are false. Choose a single statement. Using the Internet, find a scientifically acceptable website, journal paper or editorial that proves if this statement is true or false. Use the rubric on the bottom of this page to outline your entry and post your submission in the "What's the Controversy" forum entitled What's the Controversy.

- Stem cells only come from embryos.
- Embryonic stem cells come from dead fetuses.
- Adult Stem cells can be used in certain therapies.
- Stem cells can cure all diseases and has been named the “miracle drug.”
- Every body cell is just another embryo.
- Human Embryonic stem cell research is against the law.
- Stem Cell research involves human cloning and could lead to the cloning of a human.
- The cloning techniques used to make stem cells is the same as the cloning technique used to make a baby.
- The benefits of stem cell research are decades away.
- U.S. scientists prohibited from doing certain kinds of embryonic stem-cell research so they flock to other countries to practice.
- It is against the law for federal funds to be used in stem cell research.
- Stem cells have never been successfully used in a human or an animal.

Blog rubric:
0 | did not post
1-3 | very poor performance: comment / post is limited to a few words, misspellings and grammar errors, does not fundamentally address the assignment prompt. It is clear that little time and attention was put into the post / comment.
4 | poor performance: comment / post is stated minimally with errors in grammar, spelling and syntax. There is an attempt to address the assignment prompt but it is incomplete or at a level below the expectation of the class.
5 | mediocre performance: comment / post is stated concisely with errors in grammar and spelling. The assignment prompt is addressed but at a superficial level. The assignment is completed at a below-average level in terms of planning and completion.
6-7 | satisfactory to good performance: comment / post is stated and the while the assignment prompt is addressed, ideas expressed are not necessarily original. The content shows a casual writing style with a lack of attention to style.
8-9 | very good performance: comment / post is stated and characterized with an above average writing style. The content demonstrates that the student read the prompt and attempts to address it completely but only partially references the original article.
10 | excellent performance: comment / post is well written and characterized by elements of a strong writing style. The comment / post has addressed the assignment prompt fully and expresses his/her ideas clearly showing originality. The original article is fully referenced.