Unit Objectives
Cloning, Stem Cells, & STEM

Students explore vocabulary and activities about the interrelation of cloning, stem cells, and STEM disciplines. 
Note Taking Strategies

Students practice the Cornell strategy for note taking as well as writing paragraphs from notes and writing down key words while listening.  
Math Vocabulary

Students learn vocabulary necessary to discuss measurements, charts and graphs. Students also receive and overview of different types of math.
Vocabulary and Word Forms

Students study academic vocabular, focusing on utilizing and comprehending different word forms. 
Essay Writing and Presentations

Students produce multiple essays and presentations over the course of the unit, working on a variety of skills.
Unit Introduction Reading Listening
2-1 Cloning and Stem Cells

A discussion introducing the unit topics of cloning and stem cells.

 

2-2 CRISPR/Cas9

A video introduction of a genomed editing technology. 
2-1 Cloning and Stem Cells

A series of vocabulary-intensive activities centered around a reading introducing key concepts regarding cloning and stem cells. 

2-2 Jurassic Park and Cloning

A vocabulary-intensive reading that takes a look at the science behind cloning dinosaurs.

2-3 CRISPR Microbes and More are Joining the War Against Crop Killers

A reading on the agricultural industry's use of gene editing to battle pesticide-resistant crops with exercises for vocabulary and comprehension.
2-1 Cloning and Stem Cells

This listening introduces the different kinds of stem cells and their uses. Exercises focus on word forms, listening for main ideas and details and organzing information in charts.

2-2 Note Taking Skills 1

An exercise practicing writing paragraphs from notes taken while listening. 

2-3 Note Taking Skills 2

An exercise practicing writing keywords when taking notes while listening.
Media & Tech Math Use of English
2-1 What is CRISPR?

A vocabulary-intensive exercise centered around a video describing CRISPR and the controversy surrounding it.

2-2 Technological Advances in Acquiring Stem Cells

Students explore links describing three different advances in ethically acquiring embryonic or embryonic-like stem cells.

2-3 CRISPR's Origins

A TED Talk where Jennifer Doudna discusses editing our DNA. The exercise focuses on the note-taking strategies practiced in this unit.

2-4 De-extinction

A TED Talk where scientist Stewart Brand discusses reviving extinct species using cloning techniques. Exercises focus on listening for numbers and main ideas.

 
2-1 Measurement

A lesson on metric vs imperial units with a focus on reading aloud units with correct pronunciation and plurality, accompanied by exercises.

2-2 Charts and Graphs

An introduction to key vocabulary used to discuss scatterplots, line graphs, histograms, pie graphs, flow charts and Venn diagrams with accompanying exercises.

2-3 Types of Math

An overview of the different types of math, previewing the topics of future units. The exercise focuses on uses of different math for different real world scenarios.

2-4 Math Review: Real World Practice

Students examine a graph on animal cloning within the context of a website.
2-1 Careers in Cloning and Stem Cell Research

Students explore different careers related to cloning and stem cell research and present their findings.

2-2 Presentation

Students research the ethics of cloning or stem cell research and create a 5-10 minute slideshow presentation.
Writing
2-1 The Cornell Note-taking System

Students learn the Cornell strategy for effectively taking notes while listening. 

2-2 Essay

Students continue developing what they have learned about synthesis in an essay about how the cessation of genetic ailments would affect the world.
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