Category 4:
Science and Technology

A. Task:

Produce a website that teaches about science and technology issues which have varied national perspectives (i.e. the ethics of cloning, genetically modified crops, international space collaboration, etc.).
Read rules and instructions.

B. Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to list the science and technology issues which have varied national perspectives.
Students will be able to explain the significance of international cooperation in scientific and space research.
Students will be able to describe the connection between scientific concerns in their own communities or countries and those in other communities/countries.
Students will describe how diplomatic efforts promote international cooperation in science, technology, and space.

C. Discussion Questions:

These discussion questions are provided to introduce the topics of science and technology issues which have varied national perspectives.

What are some international science and technology issues that have varied perspectives?
What are the benefits of international cooperation in scientific research?
What are the obstacles to international cooperation in scientific research?
What relationships between your community and neighboring communities or countries concern science and technology?
What international efforts are underway in the area of space exploration? What did scientists learn from these efforts?
Why is it important to sign agreements with other countries about science and space issues?
What scientific discoveries from the past do you know about? How are they important now?
How do research institutions communicate their findings to influence public policy?
What ethical issues come up concerning advances in medicine (e.g., stem cell growth, cloning) and public health?
What is the world population, and how will its growth affect your country?
In a time of increased international travel, in what ways can health issues in other countries affect you.
In what ways has the Internet changed people's lives?
How does communications technology affect international efforts at solving worldwide problems?
What byproducts of computer technology development affect health and welfare in the United States and abroad?
What success have efforts had to encourage women to enter science and technology fields nationally in your country? Internationally?
What advances in solar power and other alternative energy sources exist today?

D. Suggested Starter Activities:

Create a survey asking questions about the most important science and technology issues. Have your classmates and parents respond and discuss the answers.
Talk with local groups who are focusing on science and technology issues you are interested in and find out about their work.
Explore and debate the ethical issues people are posing with regard to scientific research.
Make a timeline of significant milestones communications tools.
Research the latest findings with regard to global warming and planetary health.
Make a list of alternative forms of energy and how they are utilized nationally in your country and worldwide.
Create a timeline of significant milestones in space exploration.
Develop a survey to find out how your friends and family members feel about the future of space exploration.
Make a list of the most notable women, in your country and worldwide, who have made contributions in the fields of science and technology.
Review web projects created by past Doors to Diplomacy participants.