Human Cloning and Stem Cell Research Through the Medium of Law. (360G-Wellcome-103582_Z_14_Z)

The project uses Law as a medium to inform, inspire and involve 16-18 year old students in exploring conceptual, social and ethical issues related to human cloning and stem cell research. Law represents one of the most important means by which society decides and communicates its values, so offers an ideal medium for debate. The project will deliver events in three streams: one on stem cell research in 2014; a second on human cloning in 2015; and a third involving dissemination in 2016. Stre ams 1 and 2 each comprise three days: one teacher preparation, one student preparation and one law-in-action workshop. Student preparation days will provide scientific background knowledge. Law-in-action workshops will involve student participation in a mock parliamentary debate (stream 1) and a mock court case (stream 2). Students' and teachers' understandings of the science and responses to events will be measured using education research methodologies. Stream 3 will disseminate outcomes via p ublication of research findings and CPD for teachers and lecturers, enabling replication of Stream 1 and 2 events. The principal objective is to develop young people's conceptual, ethical and social understanding of arguments/issues surrounding stem cell research and human cloning by providing insights into the means by which our legal system addresses and/or resolves controversies. This will be achieved by providing knowledge and opportunities to engage in constructive, structured debate and discussion. Participants will be better equipped as active members of a society in which these technologies may feature as sources for medical treatments.