Activities

The activities below contain assignments that explore the basic science, techniques, applications, and social implications of stem cell research. The assignments can be used independently of one another or in combination. We encourage you to browse through the various assignments and select the ones that would work best for your class.

Activity 1: Botulinum Toxin Use and Abuse
Personal Reflection or Structured Discussion on Social Impact
Key Concepts: Social and ethical impact of botulinum toxin use and abuse
Pedagogical Value: Stimulate interest through posing new questions

Activity 2: Identification of Botulinum Toxin Molecular Targets
Reading, Data Analysis and Interpretation
Key Concepts: Structure-function relationships; Identification of toxin molecular targets including V and T-SNAREs
Pedagogical Value: Dissect primary and secondary literature; Explore steps of scientific progress

Activity 3: Identification of Botulinum Toxin Receptors
Reading, Data Analysis and Interpretation
Key Concepts: Structure-function relationships; Identification of toxin host cell receptors
Pedagogical Value: Examine a controversial area of research; Write to summarize the understanding of the field

Activity 4: Molecular Mechanisms of Botulinum Toxin
Skit of Molecular Mechanism
Key Concepts: Cell and molecular mechanisms of toxin action
Pedagogical Value: Encourage individual and cooperative learning to develop a dynamic understanding of molecular processes

Activity 5: Responding to a Bioterrorist Attack
In-Class Dilemma and Research Proposal
Key Concepts: Vaccine development and treatment options
Pedagogical Value: Solidify understanding through proposing applications to meet social needs

Activity 6: Chimeric Botulinum Toxin Therapeutics
Writing & Reviewing Grant Proposals to Engineer New Drugs
Key Concepts: Chimeric botulinum toxin to treat diseases; Adaptive immune response, genetic and protein engineering, and cancer progression
Pedagogical Value: Integrate understanding of toxin action with understanding of other biological processes through proposing new applications

For a downloadable/printable version in PDF format of these Activities visit Core Materials

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