NEW RESEARCH ON CELLS Introduction In the last few years, people have become increasingly aware of the
many advances in all aspects of scientific research. There is an abundance
of information on the Internet about new scientific discoveries involving
cells, such as cloning and stem cell research, as well as answers to
interesting questions about how the cells in our bodies work. People
who write about scientific topics need to learn about the topics they
are investigating in detail. They also need to use a writing style
that is appropriate for the place where their pieces will be published.
Writing articles for newspapers or magazines is different from writing
for the Internet. What are some of the latest scientific discoveries
about cells that are reported on the Internet? What types of scientific
questions about the cells in the human body are answered on the Internet?
How would you summarize this information for publishing on the Internet?
In this WebQuest, you will explore new research involving different
types of cells, read about how cells in the human body work, and write
a summary of one of the topics you researched that is suitable for
Internet publication. Top
Task Your job in the WebQuest is to learn about current research involving
different types of cells. You will investigate how scientists studying
diverse scientific topics are adding to the current body of knowledge
about cells. You also will explore questions and answers about the
roles that different cells play in our bodies. You will answer a set
of questions to demonstrate what you have learned. Once you've explored
information to increase your knowledge of developments in cell studies
and how cells work in the human body, you'll write a summary about
one of the topics you investigated. The purpose of this summary is
to write about a scientific topic using a style suited for posting
on a Web site. Top
Time 1-2 days to answer the set of questions and write a summary Top
Process First, read through the following set of questions before you begin
your Internet research. As you explore each site, look for answers
to the questions. Questions about Cells - What do researchers think is one cause of memory impairment related
to growing older? What does new research show that may be able to
help reverse this process?
- How might fat cells be able to help people with spinal cord injuries?
- How are frog eggs being used in research involving human cells?
- What are Schwann cells? How are they affected in multiple sclerosis
patients?
- What role do cells play in preventing the stomach from digesting
itself?
Next, visit the Web sites listed to find more information about another
type of recent research involving cells. Write a summary of that topic that includes more than the answer
to one of the questions. Your summary should be written to appear on
a Web page about cells, life science, scientific research, systems
in the human body, or a related subject. Top
Resources Look at the web sites given here to find information that will help
you answer questions about cell research, and to gather information
to use as you write your summary. You may use these resources to provide detailed information
about how to write effectively for a Web-based audience: Top
Conclusion In the process of completing this WebQuest, you've read about recent
research involving cells. You've found answers to questions about how
the cells function in the human body. In the process of answering questions,
your research gave you further insight to current and ongoing scientific
study about cells. You've also enhanced your writing skills by preparing
a summary about one of the research topics you investigated. The summary
you wrote gave you the opportunity to understand more about the scientific
content as well as present the information in a style compatible with
publishing on the Web. Top
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