Discusses risk assessment, including risk assessment as a modeling process, models and social values, political decision making, the public, and risk assessment techniques in the biology classroom. (MKR)

Science is a social issue. The examination of scientific issues offers an excellent opportunity for helping students develop a synthesized perspective on science related issues--a synthesis of the technical data coupled with social, political, economic, ethical, and philosophical information. (RM)

Describes a course which examines the history and philosophy of the relationship between science and society and applies these concepts to such current issues as sociobiology. Includes course outline, instructional strategies, and bibliography of pertinent books, papers, and lecture notes. (JN)

Discusses teaching approaches which incorporate science/technology/society issues in elementary and secondary school science curriculum, including short topics, discrete units, elective courses, full-fledged science/technology/society curricula, and interdisciplinary courses taught by several teachers in different fields. Ways to persuade teachers…

Describes a game in which students deal with some of the factors involved in being a responsible pet owner. Includes a list of the materials needed for the game and provides the game board and the game pieces, along with a fold-out poster about neutering and spaying pets. (TW)

Student interest was stimulated and critical thinking skills developed through an "Issues in Social Biology" course which include several topics in genetics. Judicious selection of topics, course format, and ordering of subjects are discussed, along with suggestions for course improvement development. (DH)

Reports on a study into the relative importance of the four goal clusters of Project Synthesis as perceived by members of service clubs and community groups. Results indicate that although the importance of science for further studying of science remained constant from 1976-1986, significant increases occurred in the importance of science in…

Active involvement in society-related issues can elevate junior high school students' interest not only in the problem being solved but also in related scientific concepts. Examples of how scientific concepts and society-related issues can be taught in the same class are presented, focusing on genetic engineering, water shortage, and others.…

Advocates daily use of short statements, dilemmas, or questions which raise open-ended societal/ethical issues for students. Includes rationale for this strategy together with 12 examples for use by teachers in developing materials for their courses. Topics selected are appropriate for biology, chemistry, physics, and the social sciences. (DH)

Reports on a study which was conducted to provide a sample of biology teachers an opportunity to describe their experiences and opinions regarding the controversial issue of evolution and creation as it relates to teaching about the origins of life. Provides the objectives, sample selection, an analysis, and a conclusion. (RT)

One of the goals of quality education in Pennsylvania is to help every student acquire knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of science and technology. This publication, which focuses on the technology component of this goal, is an initial effort by a team of scientists and science educators to define technology as it should be presented in…

This curriculum module explores genes, environment, and human behavior. This book provides materials to teach about the nature and methods of studying human behavior, raise some of the ethical and public policy dilemmas emerging from the Human Genome Project, and provide professional development for teachers. An extensive Teacher Background…

Developed to help teachers and students deal with some of the current issues in science and technology, this book outlines a system for studying socioscientific problems that can be developed in class and then be applied in a life setting. Issues related to the biological sciences, physical sciences, and science as a social institution are…

Designed to investigate the significance of the relationship between science education and social issues, this study presents a rationale and suggestions for incorporating elements of social responsibility into the elementary science curriculum. A review of the literature consists of annotations which focus on: (1) the importance of social issues…

Presents a method to teach science, technology, and society issues under an extra credit format. Describes a seven-stage format for the choice, debate, and evaluation of an issue by the students. Stresses the value of this project in terms of increased student skills and awareness. (CW)