Stephanie Munoz

December 8, 2011

1. Please provide a detailed summary describing the artifact and its purpose. In my Biology class, I was to complete a final, a Stem Cell research project that was worth 352 points. In order to receive full points, I was to complete a KWL chart stating what I already knew about Stem Cells and what I wanted to learn. I was also asked to define some vocabulary terms I might find useful when doing the research. After doing so, I was provided with some web links to sites that will educate me about Stem Cells and answer some questions about how Stem Cells are, how they grow, and how they function. Using what I researched, I was complete three different types of web quests. These consisted of three sections. Section one introduced the basic ideas of stem cells and addressed the differences between adult and embryonic Stem Cells. In section 2 I was to explore about the uses of stem cells and in section 3, I was asked to address the ethical and legal issues around Stem Cells. Once I finished with that, I was asked to choose a group consisting of 2 other people and work together to create a newsletter addressing the question Should the federal government provide more funds and lift current restrictions on embryonic stem cell research? 2. Identify and list the GLPO(s) that were satisfied in completing this artifact. In addition, please explain how these GLPO(s) were met by specifically referring to the examples or evidence from the artifact. (Please specifically refer to the indicators within each domain, and do not simply state that you Took Action or communicated ideas.) The GLPO(s) that were satisfied in completing this project were recognizing perspective and investigating the world. I recognized peoples perspectives when researching and looking up the letter to the editor and the editorial in the newspaper. Many people think stem cells shouldnt be used and gave their reasons why. Many other people gave reasons on why they thought this wasnt harmful and why the federal government should provide more funds and lift current restrictions. I saw things from both of their perspectives along with learning many things from their reasoning. I also saw this from the governments perspective when deciding on what to do. Another GLPO that was satisfied in completing this artifact was investigating the world. We investigated and researched about the things that are currently happening that have to do with Stem Cells. For example, I learned about this when researching the lead story, personal interest story, and really almost everything we had to research when completing the newspaper.

3. What skills and concepts were learned in completing this artifact and how have these affected your future? Some of the concepts and skills Ive learned in completing this artifact was how to research specific items and determine weather some sources were reliable or not. I also learned how to create a newspaper and learned what had to be included to make it efficient. I learned a lot about Stem cells that I didnt know before. For example, I learned that a stem cell is a cell with the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and give rise to specialized cells. I also learned that there are different types of embryonic stem cells, adult or somatic stem cells. I learned that stem cells are being researched because they want to yield information about the complex events that occur during human development. This can help me when researching or writing a newspaper during my high school years and college years as well. I can refer back to some of the things I learned while completing this artifact.

4. Looking back on the completion of this artifact, what might you do differently if you were able to recreate or revise the final product? If I were able to recreate or revise the final product, I think I wouldve paid more attention to what I was researching. I wouldve read the information more carefully and really focused on what the articles and websites were saying. I was a bit too focused on completing the work than actually trying to learn the material. Another thing I wouldve done differently is work on it a lot and take advantage of the long time we had to complete the project. I wouldnt have left everything to do until the end. I wouldve also planned out more time to work with my group and share information to put in the newspaper. I wouldve researched more and not settle on the first websites I discovered. I wouldve looked over and changed some of the things I put in my web quests because looking back, I didnt do so well. In conclusion, I think I wouldve just tried a bit harder than I did.