Science and Society

 

2.1 Students discuss their own ideas about the ways in which science can be described and compare their ideas with those of others.

2.2 Students identify some ways scientists think and work.

Descriptions of science and scientists in the media:

·        television, film and video

·        stereotypes of science and scientists

Scientists in the local area:

·        medical laboratories

·        mines

·        food processing and testing

How people learn about phenomena:

·        oral history, stories

·        authority sources

·        trial and error; experimentation

·        traditional, cultural and religious practices

Ways scientists think and work:

·        experimenting, observing, questioning, intuition and
hunches

·        problem solving, decision making

·        fields of work — research, technical

·        work locations — laboratory, field, industry, school, home

·        ‘working scientifically’ — investigating, understanding, communicating

2.3 Students explain some of the ways that applications of science affect their community.

 

Ways that applications of science affect the community:

·        food production and packaging

·        diagnosis and treatment of illness and disease

·        improved forms of transport — quicker, more environmentally friendly

·        local industry — mining, chemical manufacture, agriculture

·        changes in community as a result of computer technology

·        recreation — chemicals in swimming pools, streamlining of water sports equipment