Stem Cell Research: Life Science Education for High School Students

As the new high school year quickly approaches, parents and students are eagerly preparing for the next wave in academic studies and social activities. For many parents, the specifics on academic studies are not investigated as we place much trust in the educators to determine what is appropriate and compliant with state and federal education guidelines. In many school districts, however, there is a growing focus on the possibility of educating students on stem cells and stem cell research.

Stem cells and stem cell research is a highly debated science subject within the political arenas. As a result, many high school students come into their high school science class with a pre-conceived notion and opinion about stem cell research. In fact, it has been found that many high school students are confused about the origin of adult stem cells versus the origin of embryonic stem cells- a confusion that has no doubt been developed in conversing with their parents or confusion when listening to media reports.

If your child is heading off to high school, it may be important to meet with your child's science teacher and ask questions about how the issues of stem cell research will be addressed. Commonly found as part of a life sciences course, your child's science teacher should be able to give you a general idea as to what is taught in class. While your opinions of stem cell research will influence your child's opinions, it will be important to also ask the science instructor what their opinion may be. While the life science teacher is instructed to teach based on the academic materials, there is no doubt that some opinion may be expressed in class. It will be important that your child be exposed to, and tolerant of, all political opinions about science but if you find that the opinion differs from yours, you may want to talk with your child about these differing opinions before the school year begins.

Opinions about stem cells and stem cell research are often based on misconceptions in life science and then fueled by much political debate. As your child heads into the next year of high school, there will be many opportunities for politics to pass through the academic process but in the science classroom, if stem cell topics are taught, this may be a subject that, as a parent, you will need to become involved in. In doing so, you can provide a balance to the science matter that gives your high school student an opinion in addition to the facts while at school.

Sources: National Science Educational Standards. Washington, DC