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.
E. Content
Standards (USA)
F. Related
Resources