ESTOOLS organised sets of 2-days-activities in high schools (target group: 16-19 years old) taking place simultaneously in 2 (or more) countries. The focus of this pan-European educative project is on stem cell biology and ethics with special attention to human embryonic stem cells, assisted by participants from ESTOOLS laboratories.
On day 1, experts come the schools to educate on:
- Scientific theory about stem cells
- Scientific applications (i.e. in medicine)
- Overview on ethical issues related to stem cell research (including diversity of views in relation to culture, religion, background)
- Opinion of diverse actors of the civil society (religious leaders, patients, clinicians, etc).
The first day gives the theoretical background needed to understand the biological and ethical aspects of stem cell research.
Day 2 starts with a theater-based activity to apply in practice the ethical concepts developed earlier. Debates are arranged within each school and every participating student lists issues he/she opposes or supports.
The second day concludes with a video conference where students from the different high schools involved will exchange and discuss their views on those issues, adding an international/cultural diversity dimension to the debate.
The successful pilot event linked groups of high schools in Leeds (UK) with the International High School of Turku (Finland) on 12 and 13 March 2008.
The TELESCOPE programme implemented by ESTOOLS continued through to summer 2010, with 1-4 events per year.
T.E.L.E.S.C.O.P.E. moved its focus from city to city across the European Research Area - just like Smile of a Stem Cell.
You can find the program by clicking here.
And the feedback of the students here.
See our news page for full report including program details
Participating schools:
Milan: “A. Einstein” and Alba: “L. Cocito” - more info about the activities in Milan at our newspage and at www.unimi.it/news/36108.htm
Stockholm: “Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet”
Participating schools:
Arras: Lyceé Robespierre and Krakow: Liceum im. Jana III Sobieskiego
More info at our newspage
Participating schools:
Sofia: First English Language School and Edinburgh: Liberton High School
More info at our newspage
The ESTOOLS project completed its 4 years of activity. This website remains online as a reference archive.
For hESC and iPSC news and information go to: www.eurostemcell.org