TEACHING STRATEGY

SCIENCE ADVANCES THAT CHANGED OUR LIVES

INTRODUCTION

This lesson acts as a discussion starter to introduce students to the ways in which science/scientific discovery has affected-indeed, changed-our lives. The interconnections of scientific advances and culture are explored through a brief reading, a categorizing exercise, and class discussion. Throughout the exercise, students should be encouraged to examine their opinions for deeper insights.

OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to:
1. Explain the impact of scientific advances on society.
2. Recognize the relationships between and among these scientific advances.
3. Give examples of society's role in shaping scientific change and technology.
4. Interview adults to gain data for comparative purposes.
5. Value diverse opinions about the impact of science on life.

SUBJECT
ANY SOCIAL STUDIES OR SCIENCE COURSE

GRADE LEVELS
9-12

TIME REQUIRED
2-3 CLASS PERIODS

MATERIALS AND PREPARATION
The teacher might prepare copies of Handouts I and 2 for all students. (For purposes of class discussion the teacher may also want to prepare Similar overheads.) The best preparation for this exercise is for teachers to work through it themselves. Teachers should note areas where they can provide extra, analogous examples to illustrate the interconnections. Computer access will facilitate student research on various topics.

PROCEDURES
1. Distribute Handouts I and 2 and allow 25-30 minutes for reading and work. (This could be done in small groups.)
2. Begin the debriefing. Since this is primarily a discussion-starter exercise to sensitize students to the impact of science on everyday lives, student thought and opinion are of primary importance. The "correct answers" are those answers that demonstrate logic, perception, and the persuasive use of evidence.
3. The categorizing activity will require both research and problem solving skills.
4. Complete the debriefing through Question 6. This question requires student access to research tools; the teacher might also consider inviting a science teacher or other science expert (if this is not used in a science class) to act as a consultant in initiating the assignment. Write the following homework assignment on the board:

Write a paragraph containing at least five sentences. The paragraph should explain how society directs changes in science and technology. To better understand how society can have that effect on science and technology, you will need to inter view your parents, or several other adults, or use a computer for research. In your paragraph use one of the examples they suggest to illustrate that relationship. You must include one quotation from an interview in your paragraph. This assignment is due: (give date).
5. Check for understanding and review the homework assignment.
6. On the due date, collect the home work. Allow 15 minutes for a discussion of the homework topic and the input students obtained from their parents. Discuss the examples students used in their papers.

EVALUATION
Judge the homework papers according to how accurately students followed directions and how clearly they demonstrated the directive nature of society on the scientific example they selected.

EXTENSION/ENRICHMENT
Have students work in small groups to brainstorm a list of how "today's problems reflect yesterday's successes." What kinds of problems could be created by today's technological successes?

CLASSROOM HANDOUTS

HANDOUT I
SCIENCE IN EVERYDAY LIFE

HANDOUT II
SCIENTIFIC ADVANCES THAT HAVE CHANGED OUR LIVES

Lesson adapted from:

"TEN INVENTIONS THAT CHANGED OUR LIVES," in LaRue, Jr., Robert D. (Editor)

(1988), Science, Technology, Society: Model Lessons for Secondary Social Studies Classes. Social Science

Education Consortium, Boulder, CO, p. 41-44