2.  Explore some of the current issues in science and assess public attitudes towards science and whether public understanding is a necessity for public support of science.  How do various areas of technology influence the economy, the environment, society, and political decisions?

3.  How does the approach of dealing with science issues differ between various groups of people?  Should scientists more aggressively reach out to the public?  How can the general public be better educated about issues in science?  What is to gain with outreach to the public? What are the potential problems?

4.  Discuss the top science stories of 2011.

5.  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cf m?id=science-letdowns-decade&print=true http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cf m?id=science-letdowns-decade&print=true

6.  Read and Discuss: ◦ “What eight years of writing the Bad Science column have taught me,” Ben Goldacre, The Guardian

7.  Write down a list of 10 S.T.S. issues and wait for further directions.  Compare this list with a partner. You may add to your list.  Get in a group of four and come up with a consensus.  Rank the importance of your list from 1-10 with ‘1’ being the most important issue and ’10’ the least important issue. Consider why you put each issue on the list and whether it is a local or global issue.

8.  Air Pollution (Air Quality and the Atmosphere)  Energy Shortages  Extinction of Plants and Animals  Unsafe (Hazardous) Substances  Human Health and Disease  Mineral Resources  Land Use  Water Supplies  Population Growth  War Technology  Nuclear Power Stations  World Hunger and Food Resources  Use and Abuse of Technology

9.  How does the approach of dealing with science issues differ between various groups of people?  Should scientists more aggressively reach out to the public?  How can the general public be better educated about issues in science?  What is to gain with outreach to the public? What are the potential problems?

10.  Develop a survey to assess attitude (important/not important) on your science issues list as well as awareness (or knowledge) on each issue.  Three people (other than yourself) should take the survey: 1 student (not in this class), 1 adult, 1 other  Develop five questions that you will use to interview one person regarding issues in science.