Part of Lesson Plan: Bioethics: Fetal Tissue Transplantation

Activity Overview / Details

*Prior to the implementation of this lesson, it will be important to check your district's policy and  California Education Code requirements under Ed. Code 51903-51939.  Since pictures of anatomical body parts are included in the lesson  Education Code (51938) states that "Parents must be notified and have the right to excuse their child from all or part of comprehensive sexual health instruction." (1) "Advise the parent or guradian that written and audiovisual educational materials used in comprehensive sexual health and/or HIV/AIDS instruction are available for inspection." (4) "Advise the parent or guardian that the parent or guardian may request in writing that his or her child not receive comprehensive sexual health education or HIV/AIDS prevention education."

While the students are filing in during passing period,  have an automated looping slide show of the history of genetic technology and genetically inherited diseases, the basic information (symptoms, prognosis, *WARNING* This slideshow has actual photos of patients with Kleinfelter's Syndrome - including genitalia - feel free to edit the slide as you deem necessary for your student population.  Do not mention treatment options at this point). After the bell rings, ask the students to compose a quick write about what they know of biotechnological advances for treating these disorders. Give them about 5 minutes and then ask students to volunteer to share out their ideas. Using a big piece of butcher paper, write the students' ideas down as a class response. Use this time to transition into direct instruction regarding fetal tissue transplants and the bioethical considerations it encompasses.