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Connecting Scientists with the Classroom
Downloadable Curriculum Materials

Skip to Cholera Research Materials
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Research on the evolution of cholera bacteria

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"A new strain of cholera sweeping across India and Bangladesh at an alarming rate has spread to Thailand and threatens to cause a global epidemic of the diarrheal illness, health officials and other experts reported yesterday. Cholera is spread primarily through contaminated water and poor sanitation.

In the United States, one non-fatal case of the new cholera has been reported, in Los Angeles, in a woman who became infected in India. The new strain is not seen as a major public health problem in the United States, where only rare cases of the older strains of cholera have been reported in recent years, though epidemics occurred in the last century.

But the World Health Organization in Geneva and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta say the new development is ominous for much of the world, and C.D.C. officials say they are not discounting the possibility that cases might occur in the United States in areas where sanitation is poor. Detection Is Difficult"
August 13th, 1993 The New York Times

In the early 1990's a new strain of Vibrio cholera swept through India, causing epidemics of cholera.  Where did this new strain come from? How did it evolve?  What can the answers to these questions tell us about how the bacteria causes a fatal disease?  Research on cholerae bacteria is illustrated in the curriculum materials available below.

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A Medical Mystery of Epidemic Proportions

Extended Version: A series of 8 lessons and hands-on activities on the biology of cholera. Teachers may choose to do several or all of these lessons. Includes an animated slide show.

Short Version: Students explore a case study about a cholera epidemic. They conduct laboratory tests to identify the disease-causing organism and determine why people who have had cholera or been vaccinated do not have immunity. They develop a plan for preventing the spread of cholera. Requires two 40-minute class periods.


Stem Cell Research

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The future of stem cell biology lies in the hands of, not only scientists and researchers, but also voters who will participate in the crafting of new laws and regulations on stem cell study and use. These lessons provide a general overview of stem cell biology and an introduction to stem cell research.

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Stem Cell Biology

Extended Version: A series of 10 lessons on stem cell biology created for easy integration into 40 minute class periods. Teachers may choose to do several or all of these lessons. Teacher preparation and technology use is minimal.

Short Version: Students read about adult and embryonic stem cells.  They sequence pictures of the steps used to create an embryonic stem cell line.  They use simulated stem cells and growth factors to produce differentiated cells that could be used to treat diseases.  Requires two 40-minute class periods.


Stem Cell Biology:
The Adventures of Cryptic Ron

Created as a 3.5 hour continuous case-study, this lesson can be broken up into class periods at educator discretion. It can also be used with a video/DVD presentation and has moderate requirements for set-up and technology

"A new report from the National Institutes of Health says research on stem cells derived from both human embryos and adult tissue promises ''a dazzling array'' of treatments for various diseases, but for some purposes, it says, the embryonic cells are clearly superior.

The confidential study was prepared as part of the Bush administration's review of federal policy on embryonic stem cells. Officials within the administration are split over whether to prohibit federal spending on experiments using such cells, which have the ability to develop into almost any cells or tissues in the human body and thus may be useful in replacing or repairing failed tissues and organs.

The report, while emphasizing the limitless potential of embryonic stem cells, also suggests that the government should support research on adult stem cells. The adult cells ''are capable of developing into more kinds of cells than previously imagined,'' it says, noting how blood stem cells can develop into brain cells, liver cells and heart muscle cells.

''All avenues of research should be exhaustively investigated, including both adult and embryonic sources of tissue,'' the report says.

The report, based in part on an exhaustive survey of scientific journals, affirms the scientific consensus, with an immense amount of detail obtained from interviews with researchers around the world. But it does not analyze ethical, legal or social issues of stem cell research.
June 27, 2001 The New York Times

Kidney Crisis

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This collection of 7 lessons and hands-on activities uses diabetes and kidney disease to illustrate concepts of biology including: homeostasis, system interactions, immunology, and laboratory skills. It also addresses ethical issues involved in living kidney donation.

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