October15,2015

IBProject

Socio-scientific Topics
WhenweteachSSIweaim:toimproveknowledgeunderstanding,tocontributetocitizenshipeducation,
tohelpstudentstomakeinformeddecisions,toempowerthemtoparticipateindebates,tohelpthemtobe
abletodealwithcomplexity,andtounderstandbetterthenatureofscience(Simonneaux&Simonneaux,
2008)p.181)

There are at least three ways in which possessing scientific knowledgeand

having a basic scientific education to understand that knowledgeare important
to society. Such knowledge

Enables us to make informed choices about our own bodies and lives, as
required when deciding lifestyle and health choices, such as whether to
take a particular medication;
- Provides us with the basis for engaging in policy debates on issues
related to science, such as climate change and stem cell research; and
- Allows us to engage directly in science, as scientists or as informed lay
persons

Fromthefollowingartile:

http://serc.carleton.edu/sencer/newsletters/93013.html

Please choose from the following topics for your research project:
The following topics fall under the category of socio-scientific issues.
These are topics that promote scientificliteracywhichnotonlyincludesthe
knowledgeofscience,butalsoextendstoapplicationsofthisknowledgetomake
decisionsaboutpersonalandsocietalissues.Thesetopicsallowstudentstoengagewith
viewpointsthatmaybedifferentfromtheirown

1)Genetic manipulation of food: Theproductionandconsumptionofthesefoods

hasbecomeadividingissuelocallyandinternationally.Producerstrytoassurethepublic
thattheyaresafe,consumersarestillunsure.Whatisthetruth?

2) Refusal of Western medicine in favour of traditional alternative

treatments (this could include the refusal to vaccinate (ex. Measles
outbreak). What are the medical and ethical implications? How is
society affected?
3) Ebola outbreak in 2014- How was the outbreak handled, what was
the situation regarding vaccine availability and distribution? What
were the social and cultural implications of the quarantine?
4) Asaresultofincreasingdemandforpalmoilforfoodandcosmeticsand

biofuel,weareseeingtheemergenceofmoreplantations.Whatwillbetheeffects
ofthisincreasingdemand?
(5) The use of Ritalin to treat ADHD- Miracle drug or convenient
solution?
6) Increased global meat consumption: are there consequences? What
does this mean for farming practices, safety, environment, industry?
Who benefits? Who gets hurt?
7) Consuming Quinoa: How Demand from countries like the U.S. and
Canada may be affecting producers of this crop.
8) Stem Cell Research-scientific advancement and advantages, ethical
implications.
9) How is scientific research funded and how does this affect the
science that is practiced?
10) The Impact of Space Exploration on society: Could we really live on
Mars one day? What would be the benefits? Are there drawbacks?
11) Global warming and rising sea levels: what effects will this have on
residents, ecosystems? What should our government be doing?