STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I. Apply the scientific method to questions of interest in the relationship between science and modern society.

 II. Demonstrate understanding  of the basic scientific principles involved in social issues relating to science.

 III. Recognize how science affects people’s daily lives, both positively and negatively.

 IV. Explain the importance of personal involvement and responsibility in science related issues.

 V. Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the validity of discussions of science in politics, in the media and on the internet.

 VI. Research the scientific basis of modern issues using a variety of resources, both electronic and traditional.

 VII. Present the results of research on scientific issues in presentations, discussions or debates.

 VIII. Use scientific vocabulary in discussing issues relating to science and society.

 IX. Develop well-informed opinions based on sound research and critical thinking.

 X. Communicate both scientific concepts and informed opinions on scientific issues both verbally and in written communication.

 XI. Present scientific research and evaluation of information in written form with appropriate citations.

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. The Scientific Method and the Nature of Science

 a. What is the nature of scientific theory, as opposed to proof?

 b. What is the scientific method and how does it help objectivism in science?

 c. How do we test a hypothesis and how do we change the hypothesis if it is proven wrong?

 II. Technology in Society

 a. How have computers and the internet changed human interactions?

 b. How does technology interfere with or enhance privacy?

 c. How has telecommunication technology affected society as a whole?

 d. How do computer and video games, portable music devices, internet blogs, etc., change the way we learn and interact?

 III. The Environment

 a. What is the science behind the concerns about global warming, and what are the possible solutions?

 b. Do growing populations pose a hazard to worldwide ecosystems and world economies, and if so, what should be done about this?

 c. What are the causes, globally and locally of species loss, and what can be done about it?

 d. How are we at risk from geohazards (earthquakes and volcanoes, weather hazards, tsunamis, meteor strikes) and what can science do to prepare for these events?

 e. What is the science behind the ozone hole problem, what are we doing about it, and what still needs to be done?

 IV. Physics and Astronomy

 a. How do recent studies in elementary particles and cosmology challenge religious and social ideas?

 b. What does modern physics say about the nature of reality, and how does this change our worldview?

 c. Are the newest particle accelerators a risk to society or to our planet, and if so what should be done about this?

 d. Does manned spaceflight offer enough benefits to cover the extra cost?

 e. What benefit has society seen from the space program?  Should the program continue?

 f. Is SETI’s mission worth pursuing?  If life were discovered beyond our planet, how would that affect us?

 V. Science and Politics

 a. Is political policy on science and science funding motivated by scientifically sound principles, or by something else?

 b. How have world governments, especially the U.S. Government, helped and/or hurt the cause of environmental conservation and protection?

 c. How do we pay for scientific research and where does the money come from?  Is there a better way to acquire and allocate scientific funds?

 d. What is right and what is wrong with science education in the U.S. and what should we try to change?

 e. Should scientists be accountable for destructive uses of their work?

 f. How do pseudo-science, metaphysics and religion interact with science in society and how can we resolve some of the issues that arise?

 VI. Biology

 a. What is the theory of evolution and what evidence supports it?

 b. How do new technologies in biological engineering (cloning, genetically engineered organisms, etc.) affect society at large and how should policy makers approach these areas?

 c. In what ways does modern technology enhance agricultural efforts and help build the world food supply, and in what ways is it dangerous?  How do we find a balance?

 VII. Medicine

 a. What is the process by which new pharmaceuticals make their way to market and is the process functioning properly?

 b. Where do we look for new medicines, and how does this relate to concerns about biodiversity?

 c. What causes the spread of serious diseases in the world today, and how can they be stopped?

 d. How does a disease become resistant to antibiotics and other medications, and what can we do about it?