Examples
Here are some examples of ways to use socioscientific issues in the classroom to teach science:
Who Owns Rights To Pharmacogenetic Information? Students read an article by Dr. Carol Isaacson Barash on drugs developed for individuals and more recent information from the National Human Genome Research Institute, and explore the ethical concerns related to pharmacogenetics.
Human Cloning: Is it biological plagiarism? Students read an article by Dr. Glenn McGee on ethics and human cloning, research the issue, and develop perspectives of different stakeholder groups in a role play activity or present what they have learned to their peers.
Has Our Knowledge of Neuroscience Led to Ethical Dilemmas? Students watch a series of videos on the Genes to Cognition website and then explore the issues surrounding neuroethics.
Extinction: Is it inevitable? Students read an article by Dr. Niles Eldredge on mass extinctions and the "Sixth Extinction" and then explore ways humans can address the issue.
Which Strategy is Best to Ensure the Conservation of Endangered Species? Students share their viewpoints on the role of zoos in the conservation of endangered species and explore a real controversy about tiger conservation strategies.
