HeLa Legacy: Ethics, Impact, and Individual Rights
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as investigative journalists, uncover the ethical complexities surrounding Henrietta Lacks's HeLa cells and their impact on her family, while advocating for informed consent and balancing scientific advancement with individual rights?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do scientific discoveries impact real families?
- What does it mean to give informed consent?
- How do we balance scientific progress with individual rights?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand the story and scientific impact of Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells.
- Students will define and analyze informed consent in the context of medical research.
- Students will evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding the use of human biological material in research.
- Students will investigate the impact of scientific discoveries on individuals and families.
- Students will develop arguments balancing scientific progress with individual rights.
- Students will improve research, analysis, and communication skills through journalistic investigation.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsHenrietta Lacks Documentary & Discussion
Show a short, age-appropriate documentary clip about Henrietta Lacks's life and the impact of HeLa cells, followed by a facilitated discussion where students share their initial reactions and formulate questions. This entry point leverages the power of storytelling to connect students emotionally to the human side of the story, while also creating a natural springboard for inquiry-based learning.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Henrietta Lacks: A Life and Legacy Timeline
Students create a timeline of Henrietta Lacks's life, the discovery and use of HeLa cells, and the resulting ethical debates. This activity requires research and synthesis of information from various sources.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed timeline (digital or physical) with key dates, events, and their significance related to Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will understand the story and scientific impact of Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells. Learning Goal: Students will improve research, analysis, and communication skills through journalistic investigation.Informed Consent: An Explanatory Essay
Students will write an explanatory essay defining informed consent, explaining its importance, and analyzing the ethical implications of its absence in Henrietta Lacks's case.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-researched essay that defines informed consent, discusses its ethical significance, and analyzes its relevance to the HeLa cells case.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will define and analyze informed consent in the context of medical research. Learning Goal: Students will develop arguments balancing scientific progress with individual rights.HeLa Cells Ethical Mock Trial
Students will participate in a mock trial debating the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of HeLa cells without Henrietta Lacks's consent. Roles include lawyers, witnesses, and jury members.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA recorded mock trial presentation including opening statements, witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and closing arguments.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding the use of human biological material in research. Learning Goal: Students will improve research, analysis, and communication skills through journalistic investigation.The HeLa Impact: A Multimedia Exploration
Students will create a multimedia presentation (e.g., video, website, or interactive poster) exploring the impact of HeLa cells on the Lacks family and the broader scientific community.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimedia presentation that effectively communicates the impact of HeLa cells, incorporating visuals, audio, and text.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will investigate the impact of scientific discoveries on individuals and families. Learning Goal: Students will improve research, analysis, and communication skills through journalistic investigation.Balancing Rights and Research: A Position Paper
Students will write a position paper arguing for or against specific policies related to informed consent and the use of human biological material in research. Students must support their claims with evidence and reasoning.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-argued position paper that presents a clear stance on policies related to informed consent, supported by evidence and logical reasoning.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will develop arguments balancing scientific progress with individual rights. Learning Goal: Students will improve research, analysis, and communication skills through journalistic investigation.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioThe HeLa Legacy - Understanding Medical Ethics
HeLa Legacy Timeline
Assesses the accuracy, clarity, and depth of understanding demonstrated in the Henrietta Lacks timeline project.Accuracy and Completeness
Accuracy and Completeness: The extent to which the timeline accurately represents key events and dates in Henrietta Lacks's life and the HeLa cells' history.
Beginning
1 PointsTimeline includes inaccurate information or omits several key events and dates, showing a lack of thorough research.
Developing
2 PointsTimeline includes some inaccuracies or omissions, indicating gaps in research and understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsTimeline is mostly accurate and complete, with only minor errors or omissions.
Exemplary
4 PointsTimeline is exceptionally accurate, comprehensive, and well-researched, providing a thorough overview of Henrietta Lacks's life and the HeLa cells' history.
Clarity and Organization
Clarity and Organization: How clearly and logically the timeline presents information.
Beginning
1 PointsTimeline is disorganized, confusing, and difficult to follow, making it hard to understand the sequence of events.
Developing
2 PointsTimeline is somewhat disorganized, with occasional lapses in clarity that impede understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsTimeline is generally clear and organized, presenting information in a logical sequence.
Exemplary
4 PointsTimeline is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and visually appealing, making it easy to understand the sequence of events and their significance.
Significance and Context
Significance and Context: The depth of understanding demonstrated in explaining the significance of each event in the timeline.
Beginning
1 PointsTimeline lacks explanations of the significance of events, showing a superficial understanding of their importance.
Developing
2 PointsTimeline provides limited explanations of the significance of events, with some key points missing or underdeveloped.
Proficient
3 PointsTimeline adequately explains the significance of most events, providing sufficient context for understanding their importance.
Exemplary
4 PointsTimeline provides insightful and comprehensive explanations of the significance of each event, demonstrating a deep understanding of their impact and context.
Informed Consent Essay
Evaluates the depth of understanding, ethical analysis, and clarity of presentation in the informed consent essay.Definition and Explanation
Definition and Explanation: How well the essay defines and explains the concept of informed consent.
Beginning
1 PointsEssay provides an inaccurate or incomplete definition of informed consent, demonstrating a lack of understanding.
Developing
2 PointsEssay provides a basic definition of informed consent but lacks depth and detail in its explanation.
Proficient
3 PointsEssay provides a clear and accurate definition of informed consent, explaining its key principles effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsEssay provides an exceptionally clear, comprehensive, and nuanced definition of informed consent, demonstrating a deep understanding of its complexities.
Ethical Analysis
Ethical Analysis: The depth of analysis regarding the ethical implications of the lack of informed consent in Henrietta Lacks's case.
Beginning
1 PointsEssay fails to adequately analyze the ethical implications of the lack of informed consent in Henrietta Lacks's case.
Developing
2 PointsEssay provides a superficial analysis of the ethical implications, with limited insights or connections to the HeLa cells case.
Proficient
3 PointsEssay provides a satisfactory analysis of the ethical implications, discussing the key issues and their relevance to Henrietta Lacks's situation.
Exemplary
4 PointsEssay offers an insightful and thorough analysis of the ethical implications, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the complexities and long-term consequences.
Structure and Clarity
Structure and Clarity: The organization, coherence, and clarity of the essay's arguments and presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsEssay is poorly organized, lacks coherence, and is difficult to understand due to unclear writing and weak structure.
Developing
2 PointsEssay has some organizational issues, with occasional lapses in coherence and clarity that impede understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsEssay is well-organized, coherent, and clearly written, presenting arguments in a logical and understandable manner.
Exemplary
4 PointsEssay is exceptionally well-structured, coherent, and articulate, presenting arguments with precision, clarity, and compelling evidence.
HeLa Cells Mock Trial
Assesses the depth of research, argumentation skills, and engagement in the HeLa cells ethical mock trial.Research and Preparation
Research and Preparation: The thoroughness of research conducted and the level of preparation demonstrated for the mock trial.
Beginning
1 PointsShows little evidence of research and preparation, with minimal understanding of the legal and ethical issues.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates some research and preparation, but key legal and ethical aspects are missing or underdeveloped.
Proficient
3 PointsExhibits thorough research and preparation, with a good understanding of the relevant legal and ethical issues.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional research, preparation, and a comprehensive understanding of the legal, ethical, and historical context.
Argumentation and Presentation
Argumentation and Presentation: The effectiveness of arguments presented and the clarity of delivery during the mock trial.
Beginning
1 PointsArguments are weak, unclear, and poorly presented, failing to effectively address the ethical and legal issues.
Developing
2 PointsArguments are somewhat unclear and lack persuasive force, with occasional lapses in delivery and presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsArguments are clear, well-reasoned, and effectively presented, demonstrating a good understanding of persuasive communication.
Exemplary
4 PointsArguments are exceptionally compelling, articulate, and persuasive, demonstrating mastery of rhetoric and legal argumentation.
Role-Playing and Engagement
Role-Playing and Engagement: The authenticity of role-playing and the level of engagement demonstrated by participants.
Beginning
1 PointsRole-playing is unconvincing, and participants show little engagement or understanding of their roles.
Developing
2 PointsRole-playing is somewhat superficial, with inconsistent engagement and a limited understanding of the roles.
Proficient
3 PointsRole-playing is convincing, and participants demonstrate good engagement and understanding of their roles.
Exemplary
4 PointsRole-playing is exceptionally authentic, engaging, and insightful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the characters and their motivations.
HeLa Impact Multimedia
Evaluates the accuracy, multimedia integration, and presentation skills demonstrated in the HeLa Impact multimedia exploration.Content and Accuracy
Content and Accuracy: The accuracy and depth of information presented in the multimedia presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation includes inaccurate information and lacks depth, providing a superficial overview of the topic.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation includes some inaccuracies or omissions, indicating gaps in research and understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation is mostly accurate and complete, with only minor errors or omissions.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation is exceptionally accurate, comprehensive, and well-researched, providing a thorough and insightful overview of the topic.
Multimedia Integration
Multimedia Integration: The effectiveness of integrating visuals, audio, and text to enhance understanding and engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsMultimedia elements are poorly integrated and fail to enhance understanding or engagement.
Developing
2 PointsMultimedia elements are used somewhat haphazardly, with limited impact on understanding or engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsMultimedia elements are effectively integrated to enhance understanding and engagement.
Exemplary
4 PointsMultimedia elements are seamlessly integrated to create a compelling, informative, and engaging presentation that enhances understanding and leaves a lasting impact.
Presentation Skills
Presentation Skills: The clarity, organization, and overall effectiveness of the presentation delivery.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is unclear, disorganized, and difficult to follow, hindering understanding.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation is somewhat disorganized, with occasional lapses in clarity that impede understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation is clear, well-organized, and easy to follow, effectively communicating key findings and insights.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and persuasive, demonstrating mastery of presentation skills and effectively conveying complex information.
Balancing Rights Position
Assesses the strength of arguments, the quality of evidence, and the ability to address counterarguments in the position paper.Argumentation and Reasoning
Argumentation and Reasoning: The strength and logic of the arguments presented in the position paper.
Beginning
1 PointsArguments are weak, illogical, and unsupported by evidence, failing to present a coherent position.
Developing
2 PointsArguments are somewhat weak and lack persuasive force, with limited evidence and reasoning.
Proficient
3 PointsArguments are clear, logical, and supported by relevant evidence, presenting a coherent and well-reasoned position.
Exemplary
4 PointsArguments are exceptionally strong, insightful, and persuasive, demonstrating mastery of argumentation and critical thinking.
Evidence and Support
Evidence and Support: The quality and relevance of evidence used to support the position taken in the paper.
Beginning
1 PointsPaper lacks evidence or relies on irrelevant or inaccurate information to support its claims.
Developing
2 PointsPaper provides limited evidence or uses sources that are not entirely reliable or relevant.
Proficient
3 PointsPaper provides sufficient and relevant evidence to support its claims, using credible sources effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsPaper presents a wealth of compelling and meticulously researched evidence from diverse and credible sources, demonstrating a deep understanding of the issues.
Counterarguments and Rebuttals
Counterarguments and Rebuttals: The ability to address and effectively rebut opposing arguments.
Beginning
1 PointsPaper fails to address counterarguments or dismisses them without adequate consideration.
Developing
2 PointsPaper acknowledges counterarguments but fails to effectively rebut them or explain their weaknesses.
Proficient
3 PointsPaper addresses counterarguments and provides reasonable rebuttals, demonstrating an understanding of opposing viewpoints.
Exemplary
4 PointsPaper skillfully anticipates and effectively rebuts counterarguments, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the issue.