Curriculum support materials are available for science, math, social studies and English. As I enter Maureen Adam's Grade 7 classroom in Maple Ridge, the students are absorbed in an article that reveals the wonders of taxol, a rare, experimental agent from yew bark that has a positive effect in reducing cancerous tumors. When students finish reading, they discuss study questions in small groups to prepare for a whole class discussion. Their teacher begins the discussion by inviting students to tell what they belive are the main issues in the case. It takes 5-6 yew trees to yield one gram of taxol.
Yew trees are rare and slow growing.
A case study opens the door to a variety of follow-up activities designed to engage students in challenging activities that extend their interest in and understanding of a problem.