Evaluate Scientific Responses

What is a contemporary science issue?

What does it mean to evaluate a scientific response?

Name two types of evidence that could help judge whether a response is effective.

Why should benefits and risks both be considered?

What is a limitation of a proposed solution?

How can cost influence whether a scientific response is used?

Why might two groups disagree about the same scientific response?

What is one ethical question that might be asked about a new technology?

Why is long-term impact important when evaluating a response?

Write one sentence explaining why a solution can be useful even if it is not perfect.

Choose a science-based response to a current issue, such as renewable energy, vaccination, plastic waste, water treatment or food production. Explain the problem and how the response is meant to help.

Evaluate the strengths and limitations of one scientific response. Include evidence, possible benefits and possible unintended consequences.

Compare two possible responses to the same issue. Explain which one you think is more suitable and why.

Explain why scientific evidence alone may not decide what action society takes. Include social, economic or ethical factors.

A student says, “If scientists invented it, everyone should use it.” Write a balanced response that considers evidence, risk, access and choice.

Describe how data could be collected to test whether a proposed response is working.

Explain how misinformation could affect public acceptance of a scientific response.

Evaluate a response that helps one group but may create a problem for another group. How should decision-makers respond?

Create a decision table for a science response, with columns for evidence, benefits, risks, cost and fairness.

Write a recommendation to a school, council or community group about a science-based response. Justify your recommendation using evidence and balanced reasoning.