Unit 5 – Perceptions of Science
Unit abstract
This unit allows learners to explore the role of science in a wider context. How much
influence does science have on society, people and politics? What influences science?
In this unit learners can use their science training and knowledge to explore the
pressures on the science community. Similarly, they can investigate whether science
can influence people and politicians.
Is it fair that scientists get the blame when their discoveries are misused? Should
scientists withhold their knowledge in case the media get hold of it and release scare
stories or misinterpret their work?
Although learners will need to do some initial research on the media, politics and
society, the main thrust of this unit is the analysis of case studies. Learners will be
putting forward reasoned arguments about some of the more controversial current
science topics. Learners are free to choose their topics of study, provided they are
relevant to the endorsed title they have followed during this course, and the tutor
will be available for discussion and guidance in making these choices.
The aim of this unit is to show knowledge of science and an understanding of its
interaction with people, society as a whole and the media in particular. Learners can
express their own opinions about the science topics of their choice but the final
conclusions they present must be supported by fact and well reasoned. This is an
opportunity for learners to show that they can express their opinions constructively.
Scenario
You are a scientific journalist working for a weekly magazine. You have been asked to put together four articles by your editor looking at different aspects of science and how science is portrayed in the media.
You can choose to write all four articles or alternatively write two articles and present the research and ideas as a powerpoint presentation for two articles at an editorial meeting. If you choose to only write two articles you must provide evidence to show that you have researched the areas and are able to write an article based on your research.
The titles for the articles are as follows;
When is a theory not a theory?!
P1 Evolution is one of the best known theories in the world. Explain how this theory has developed over time.
M1 Science can attempt to answer many questions but can it answer all of them? Give two examples of questions that;
A)Scientists are currently working on
B)Science cannot answer yet.
C)Science will never be able to answer.
D1 Over time Evolution has become widely accepted, originally it was not. Explain why new scientific theories often have resistance, and how having a theory peer reviewed is necessary.
Run for the hills, the scientists are coming!
P2 What is the public’s perception of science? Produce and carry out a survey to gather information about how people feel about science. Do you think this is down to the way the media portray science? Explain your answer.
P3 The media often includes scientific headlines. Chose two recent cases that have concerned the public and explain why the public were concerned. You must back up your cases with evidence.
M2 Explain whether these cases were justified to cause public concern. Compare how the cases were reported in scientific magazines such as New Scientist as compared to newspapers.
D2 Do you think the media makes a positive contribution to science, explain using recent examples from the media. You will need to look closely at the evidence for and against the cases you have studied and then make an overall conclusion
Should we or shouldn’t we?
P4 Science has developed over time and led to many ethical and moral issues. Explain how the developments in genetic engineering and stem cell research have led to ethical and moral arguments.
M4 From the above examples explain how its development has had a direct effect on society.
D4 Do you think we should allow stem cell research to continue in this country? Should genetic engineering be given a free reign? Write a summary of your personal opinions on these topics and back up your opinions with evidence.
Money and research, are scientists truly independent?
P5 and M4 Science needs to be funded, most of the time this comes directly from the government. In some cases funding comes from organisations that may have political agendas. List 5 different organisations that may fund scientific research and explain how they may influence research carried out.
D4 Albert Einstein and others worked together to produce the science that eventually led to the development of the nuclear bomb used in Hiroshima. Explain how the use of science for alternative uses can lead to the perception of science changing in society.
You must provide evidence that is your own work for each of the grading criteria in order to pass this unit.
Deadline –