Science Education Partnership Award

National Center for
Research Resources
National Institutes of Health

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Project Related:

Educational Resources

• Teacher Workshops

  Grade:
  Resource: teacher workshops

• Museum Exhibits

  Grade:
  Resource: museum exhibit

Cellular Universe: The Promise of Stem Cells

Audience

5th-12th grade students and their teachers; families with children ages 9 and up; adult public

Subjects Addressed

1) cell biology, development and function, 2) cell-based research, stem cell research, 3) clinical trial processes, bioethics, 4) YOUR opinion and role in science research

Project Description

The purpose of this project is to help visitors learn about advances in cell biology and stem cells so that they will make more informed health-related decisions, explore new career options and better understand the role of scientific research in health advances that affect peoples- lives. The goal of this project is to 1. Develop an inquiry-based exhibit on cell biology and stem cell research. 2. Develop innovative model for presenting controversial science and its impact in informal learning centers. 3. Utilize hands-on, inquiry-based experiences and interactive exhibits to engage children with science, particularly those within groups currently underrepresented in health sciences. 4. Promote understanding of clinical and basic research in health-related advances that affect people-s lives and increase the knowledge and impact of current science research through partnerships with worldclass universities, public schools and underserved communities.

Resources for Sharing

Front-end evaluation for Cellular Universe which includes feedback on general adult and student knowledge of cell biology and stem cells, interest in exhibition and attitudes about stem cell research and debates.

Dissemination Strategies

1. Distance Learning and Video Teleconferencing will allow us to reach a broader audience of students and adults for seminars, presentations and discussion forums. 2. The companion website to Cellular Universe will introduce web visitors to the fundamental concepts explored throughout the exhibit, as well as provide companion interactive experiences and access to video and still footage of cells and their processes. 3. Through conferences and paper presentations, MSC will make the results of evaluations available to colleagues and partners, sharing what we have learned and developed in translating complex science and presenting controversial science concepts to the general and student public.

Abstract

The Maryland Science Center (MSC), in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University (JHU), The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), and Morgan State University (MSU), has sought the support of the National Institutes of Health SEPA (Science Education Partnership Award) Program to develop Cellular Universe: The Promise of Stem Cells, a unique exhibition and update center with related programs that highlight the most current science in cell biology and stem cell research. Visitor surveys have shown that science museum visitors are very interested in learning about stem cell research, but know little about the science of stem cells or cell biology, which form the basis of stem cell research. The goal of this project is to help visitors learn about advances in cell biology and stem cells so that they will make informed health-related decisions, explore new career options, and better understand the role of basic and clinical research in health advances that affect peoples- lives. Topics to be covered include the basic biology of cells, the role of stem cells in human development, current stem cell research and the clinical research process. This exhibition will also address the controversies in stem cell research. Our varied advisory panel, including cell biologists, physiologists, adult and embryonic stem cell researchers and bioethicists, will ensure the objectivity of all content. Cellular Universe: The Promise of Stem Cells will be a 3,500 square foot exhibition to be planned, designed and prototyped in Fall 2006 - Winter 2009 and installed in MSC-s second floor human body exhibition hall, in Spring 2009. This exhibition will build on the successful model of BodyLink, our innovative health science update center funded by a 2000 SEPA grant (R25RR015602) and supported by partnerships with JHU and UMB.

Keywords

stem cell, cell biology, clinical research, bioethics

Other projects from the same PI:

• Bodylink: A Health Sciences Update Center

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