TOPIC:  SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC

What are public attitudes towards science? Is public understanding of science a necessity for public support of science?

Questions to consider 

• Should scientists more aggressively reach out to the public, to the media, and to policy makers?
• What can federal, state, and local governments do to educate the general public about science?
• What is to gain with outreach to the public? What are the pitfalls?

Resources

• Neal, H.A., T. Smith, J. McCormick, 2008: Beyond Sputnik: U.S. Science Policy in the Twenty-First Century, University of Michigan Press. (Chapter 10)
• National Science Board, 2008: Science and Engineering Indicators 2008: NSF, available online (Chapter 7)

NOTE: While we are developing a more comprehensive curriculum, we welcome any comments or suggestions you may have, including references and topics.

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