Science and technology is all around us and affects us and our communities in many ways. This course presents an opportunity to explore these issues. The course includes activities designed to help students develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, research, and critical thinking. We will research scientific and technological issues that affect our changing world. We will look at complex, real situations which can and have evolved through our advancing technological society. Students will gain a better understanding of the complex relationships among science, society, and impact of the media.
In this course we will explore a variety of science topics on an independent and group study basis. The course will include investigations, debates, experiments, and research components. Students will be encouraged to incorporate a variety of media, including power point, photography, video, and web design. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the development of scientific knowledge, apply critical thinking skills to controversial issues in science, and distinguish science fact from science fiction.
Minnesota State Standards:
Strand 1: The Nature of Science and Engineering. The students will understand that…
- Science is a way of knowing about the natural world and is characterized by empirical criteria, logical argument and skeptical review.
- Scientific inquiry uses multiple interrelated processes to investigate questions and propose explanations about the natural world.
- Engineering is a way of addressing human needs by applying science concepts and mathematical techniques to develop new products, tools, processes and systems.
- Engineering design is an analytical and creative process of devising a solution to meet a need or solve a specific problem.
- Natural and designed systems are made up of components that act within a system and interact with other systems.
- Men and women throughout the history of all cultures, including Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities, have been involved in engineering design and scientific inquiry.
- Science and engineering operate in the context of society and both influence and are influenced by this context.
- Science, technology, engineering and mathematics rely on each other to enhance knowledge and understanding.
