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Socioscientific Investigation

Learning Goals

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  • Socioscientific issues are issues which are science-based and have social implications

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Key Terms

Socioscientific issue, stakeholder

What are Socioscientific Issues?

Socioscientific issues are social issues with a science component. This means they cannot be solved by science alone.

 

Socioscientific issues are always controversial, as they are not easily resolved. In some cases, it is due to a lack of scientific or general consensus, which makes it difficult to form any clear conclusions. In other cases, the science may be quite settled, but there are a range of different values, beliefs and opinions surrounding the issue, which makes it difficult for the different stakeholders to agree on any one position.

 

Socioscientific issues are all around you. Recent issues 

include:

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  • Ownership and use of genetic information

  • Animal experimentation

  • Sugar tax

  • Management of recyclable materials

  • Management of wild brumby populations

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Should we allow animal testing?

Examining a Socioscientific Issue

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We will be looking at a socioscientific issue in class. To help you prepare, please watch the following video and read the following article. As you do so, keep in mind the following questions:

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   THINK    â€‹

  1. What are the pros and cons of internal combustion versus electric engines?

  2. What groups and industries have an interest in the debate between internal combustion and electric engines?

Socioscientific Investigation Assessment Task

For this assessment task, you will be working in groups to investigate an energy-related socioscientific issue, which you will then present to the class. You may choose whatever medium you like e.g. a YouTube video, PowerPoint, Poster etc. There are two parts to this assessment.

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Part 1: Defining Your Socioscientific Issue

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The first part of your assessment is to define your socioscientific issue. Feel free to choose any other energy-related socioscientific issue to explore. If you are stuck, here are some ideas to help you get started:

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  • Should Australia continue to use non-renewable energy sources as part of our energy mix?

  • Is renewable energy going to meet Australia's energy demands?

  • Battery manufacturing and waste is dangerous for our environment. Is it worth it?

  • Should Australia replace fossil fuels with bio-fuels?

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Once you group has chose your issue, it's time to explore your issue.

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   THINK    â€‹

  1. Can I explain what my socioscientific issue is?

  2. Can I explain why my socioscientific issue is controversial?

  3. Can I explain how my socioscientific issue is related to energy?

  4. What groups and industries have an interest in the debate? What are their different points of view?

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Part 2: Presenting Your Issue

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