1997, Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
Harold R. Hungerford, Trudi L. Volk, and John M. Ramsey
There is an emphasis today on the use of higher order thinking skills in authentic learning situations. Science-Technology-Society: Investigating and Evaluating STS Issues and Solutions focuses squarely on these two elements as well as comparing the functions of science, technology, and society, and of the values which guide each. Students learn how interactions between science, technology, and society often result in issues.
Importantly, this one-semester program enables students to learn issue investigation (inquiry) skills and then apply them in real-life situations in the community where the bulk of the STS issues actually exist. In order to achieve these goals, the students must use the processes of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
After a substantial introduction to a variety of STS issues, students choose an issue in which they are personally interested, decide how best to investigate that issue, conduct the investigation, draw conclusions and inferences, make recommendations based on the data and develop an action plan to help resolve that issue based on their own investigation and what else they have learned about the issue.
Science-Technology-Society: Investigating and Evaluating STS Issues and Solutions uses learner objectives throughout in order to concentrate learning on the elements which are important to the overall process.
Student and teacher editions available. Grades 6 - 12.
Comments about this program:
". . . this curriculum helps build confidence in students that they can tackle any subject in EE and investigate and evaluate the issue and find a balanced solution. . . . Represents tough issues fairly. . . . Includes chapter specifically on action. Incorporates values development regarding action and encourages balanced action. Empowers students to find solutions. . . . Very logical and usable."
The North American Association for Environmental Education, The Environmental Education Collection: A Review of Resources for Educators, Vol. I.