Revision - Module 8: Science and Society
Incidents, Events and Science
Inquiry question: How do science-related events affect society’s view of science?
1. How has the public image of science been affected by past events? In your answer refer to each of the
areas below,
a. meltdowns of nuclear reactors
b. development of the smallpox vaccine
c. development of flight
d. positive and negative aspects of damming rivers
The public image is constantly altered by the occurrences of different events. The creation of the
Chernobyl reactor allowed for the development of a large cities in its surrounds with lots of jobs opportunity
supported by clean energy, however citizens became scared as the radiation is invisible and didn’t trust the
scientist. In the end the meltdown was devastating, spreading radioactive material over a huge area,
contaminating land and causing radiation poison and causing many deaths, negatively affecting the
perception of science in nuclear power.
The creation of the smallpox vaccine protects people from sickness and disease, saves lives and creates
the opportunity to eradicate diseases. Along with the positives, negatives are also presented such as the
possibility of using the eradication of disease as a bioweapon for terrorism, additionally, the science behind
vaccines can be confusing therefore, people panic toward side effects. Overall, most people are well
educated on this topic through schooling and medical advice, leaving the general public with a positive
view of medical sciences through vaccines
The development of flight improved technology and made flights safer. However, through terrible
occurrences such as the comet disaster, in which flights crashed, and many lives were lost due to
imperfections in the aircrafts. This resulted in people losing trust in the airline and flying in general.
Although this happened some time ago, many people are still frightened by flying and in recent years
similar occurrences happening with aeroplanes. Ultimately, negatively affecting the public’s perception of
the development of flight which has been tinged with fear slightly, loosing trust with some consumers.
The damming of rivers to create schemes such as the snowy hydro scheme created many jobs, boosted
the economy, provided irrigation for farms and provided clean energy, however, it cause water to be
lacking in the places it was diverted from causing environmental issues, as well as deaths during the
creation of the structure. Overall, the snowy hydro scheme provided Australia with a vision of clean energy
and a hopeful future, allowing for the public to have a positive outlook upon environmental sciences.
Regulation of Scientific Research
Inquiry question: Why is scientific research regulated?
1. Choose one of the examples below and show how it can illustrate the need for the regulation of scientific
research.
a. genetic modification of sex cells and embryos (this is the one we looked at in class)
b. development of biotechnological weaponry
c. testing of pharmaceuticals
d. products and processes of the nuclear industry
e. protection of Indigenous cultural and intellectual property
2. Define
Ethics = system of moral principles which govern a person’s behaviour and defines what is good for
individuals and society
Morality = standard of behaviour and principles of right and wrong forming people’s values.
Incidents, Events and Science
Inquiry question: How do science-related events affect society’s view of science?
1. How has the public image of science been affected by past events? In your answer refer to each of the
areas below,
a. meltdowns of nuclear reactors
b. development of the smallpox vaccine
c. development of flight
d. positive and negative aspects of damming rivers
The public image is constantly altered by the occurrences of different events. The creation of the
Chernobyl reactor allowed for the development of a large cities in its surrounds with lots of jobs opportunity
supported by clean energy, however citizens became scared as the radiation is invisible and didn’t trust the
scientist. In the end the meltdown was devastating, spreading radioactive material over a huge area,
contaminating land and causing radiation poison and causing many deaths, negatively affecting the
perception of science in nuclear power.
The creation of the smallpox vaccine protects people from sickness and disease, saves lives and creates
the opportunity to eradicate diseases. Along with the positives, negatives are also presented such as the
possibility of using the eradication of disease as a bioweapon for terrorism, additionally, the science behind
vaccines can be confusing therefore, people panic toward side effects. Overall, most people are well
educated on this topic through schooling and medical advice, leaving the general public with a positive
view of medical sciences through vaccines
The development of flight improved technology and made flights safer. However, through terrible
occurrences such as the comet disaster, in which flights crashed, and many lives were lost due to
imperfections in the aircrafts. This resulted in people losing trust in the airline and flying in general.
Although this happened some time ago, many people are still frightened by flying and in recent years
similar occurrences happening with aeroplanes. Ultimately, negatively affecting the public’s perception of
the development of flight which has been tinged with fear slightly, loosing trust with some consumers.
The damming of rivers to create schemes such as the snowy hydro scheme created many jobs, boosted
the economy, provided irrigation for farms and provided clean energy, however, it cause water to be
lacking in the places it was diverted from causing environmental issues, as well as deaths during the
creation of the structure. Overall, the snowy hydro scheme provided Australia with a vision of clean energy
and a hopeful future, allowing for the public to have a positive outlook upon environmental sciences.
Regulation of Scientific Research
Inquiry question: Why is scientific research regulated?
1. Choose one of the examples below and show how it can illustrate the need for the regulation of scientific
research.
a. genetic modification of sex cells and embryos (this is the one we looked at in class)
b. development of biotechnological weaponry
c. testing of pharmaceuticals
d. products and processes of the nuclear industry
e. protection of Indigenous cultural and intellectual property
2. Define
Ethics = system of moral principles which govern a person’s behaviour and defines what is good for
individuals and society
Morality = standard of behaviour and principles of right and wrong forming people’s values.
