In this essay, Clayton Pierce examines the epistemological standpoints of Intelligent Design (ID) and evolutionary science education, focusing specifically on the pedagogical question of how ID and modern science-based education fail to promote democratic relations in how students learn, think, and associate with science and technology in society.…

Examines the problem of how to account for the observation of research on cold fusion after the apparent closure of the controversy in 1990. Despite the controversy, scientists continue to work with cold fusion. Examines whether the controversy is in fact closed, creating a hybrid category, "undead." (Author/CCM)

Many people feel that the purpose of an education is to prepare students for life outside of school. To help reach this desire it has been suggested that students be allowed to experience and confront issues that they will experience later in their lives. This book confronts students with major issues in science that in many instances have created…

Discussed is the breakdown between researcher and researched in controversies that involve matters of public policy. Presented are three case studies that show how social analysts do become involved in the controversies they are investigating. The implications of this process for theory and practice are addressed. (KR)

Enumerates several techniques to determine what are acceptable levels of risk in society. Discusses cancer, regulation, and human responsibility. Lists several no-risk discussion topics for the classroom. (DH)

Lists Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) resources that will help bring science, technology, and society (STS) into the classroom. The annotated bibliography of seven references includes Faith Hickman's framework for curriculum reform, which compares the present trend of teaching STS-related social problems with historical trends. (LS)

Examines the social conscience of science teachers as it bears on the teaching of controversial issues. Explores teachers' perceptions of the teaching of controversial issues, the problem of handling personal value positions when dealing with issues, and the tension that exists between the teaching of controversial issues and traditional…

The study reported in this paper examined a group of science teachers' beliefs about the implementation of controversial social/technical issues in the extant science curriculum. Beliefs were measured by a 44-item Likert type instrument. Teachers were asked to elucidate their ideas relating to the teaching of social issues in areas such as support…

Describes a college course designed to explicate the political dimensions of biomedical issues now emerging in American society. The course combines a rigorous overview of the technologies and the accompanying value changes which are producing these issues with a discussion of the problems being raised. (RM)

The development and responsibilities of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) are discussed. Ways in which teachers can use the OTA, especially as a starting point for issues-oriented design work are suggested. Examples of publications from OTA are described. (KR)

Background, rationale, and promising practices for teaching about science-related social issues in the science and social studies classroom are presented. Material is divided into five sections, each introduced with a topical question. The first section considers the challenges associated with the pervasive influences of science and technology in…

The focus of the curriculum in the elementary schools today is on reading, writing, and mathematics, an emphasis reinforced by state competency testing programs. This trend is lamented by science and social studies educators who argue that one of the major goals of today's education should be to produce citizens who are technologically literate.…

The issues of reproductive choice and domination of women through the use of reproductive technologies have placed feminists at odds with the medical profession and consumers. Inspired by the Feminist International Network of Resistance to Reproductive and Genetic Engineering (FINRRAGE), this collection of 21 essays advances a critical analysis of…

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)

Summarized are some aspects of knowledge about the potential health consequences of a nuclear war. Discussed are fires, radioactive fallout, and synergistic effects. (CW)