veski inspiring students lesson 2: global collaborations and research

Overview 

In this video, we hear from three leading scientists about their global research projects. It features Professor Kai Wucherpfennig from Harvard University, and Drs Melissa and Mathew Call from Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, who both trained in Kai’s lab. Global collaborations is about what these three scientists have studied, what areas they focus on and their opinion on the future of science. 

This video and the activities are suitable for secondary school aged students with a basic understanding of cells.

Professor Kai Wucherpfennig's research at Harvard University focuses on the immune system, specifically the T Cell and its recognition of antigens in the body.  Dr Matthew Call’s research group, led cooperatively with Dr Melissa Call, investigates how immune cells respond to external cues that control immune responses. 

The activities provided with this resource can be used across multiple lessons including watching the video, having a discussion about the content of the video, completing the revision quizzes and other activities.  

Key objectives

• Understand why the study of the immune system is important.
• Understand why science/research is integral for future developments.

Background information

• Video (2 minutes 21 seconds)
• Biography: Professor Kai Wucherpfennig
• Biography: Dr Matthew Call
• Biography: Dr Melissa Call
• Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
• Dana Farber Cancer Institute
• Glossary of key terms
• Lesson guide

Activities

• Activity 1: Class discussion
• Activity 2: Revision quizzes*
• Activity 3: Short essay 

Categories

Immune system, T Cells, research, cell membrane