Year 9 Science • AC9S9H03 • Authored homework
Why Society Adopts Scientific Practices
Analyse why people, communities and governments adopt or reject scientific knowledge and practices, including evidence, trust, cost, access, ethics and cultural context. Use evidence and clear reasoning in longer answers.
Part A
Short-answer questions
What does it mean for society to adopt a scientific practice?
Name two factors that influence whether people accept a science-based recommendation.
Why does trust matter in science communication?
How can cost affect whether a technology is used?
Give one example of an ethical concern linked to a scientific practice.
Why might access be different in different communities?
How can misinformation affect public decisions?
What is one reason a community may hesitate to adopt a new technology?
Why should decision-makers consider evidence and values?
Correct this misconception: “If the science is correct, everyone will automatically agree.”
Part B
Long-answer questions
Explain why vaccination, recycling, renewable energy or water treatment may be adopted differently by different communities.
Compare evidence, cost, access and trust as factors influencing one science-based practice.
A student says people reject science only because they do not understand it. Write a balanced response using social, economic or ethical factors.
Describe how science communication can increase or reduce public trust.
Evaluate a case where a science-based practice has strong evidence but faces social resistance.
Explain why governments may need to balance scientific evidence with cost, fairness and practicality.
Use an example to show how cultural context can influence acceptance of a scientific practice.
Create a decision table for adopting a new technology, including evidence, benefits, risks, cost and equity.
Explain how misinformation or poor communication could reduce adoption of a useful practice.
Write a recommendation about a science-based practice for a school or community and justify it with evidence and social considerations.
Part C
Research and understanding task
Research one science-based practice or technology that society has adopted unevenly, such as vaccination, solar power, water fluoridation, electric vehicles, recycling or disease control. Explain the evidence, benefits, barriers and your judgement.