Alaska Science
Key Element C3

Performance Standard Level 4, Ages 15–18

Students describe how human society, culture, history, and environment have influenced the development of scientific thinking.

Sample Assessment Ideas

• Students prepare reports on instances where society has repressed scientific knowledge or instances where it has supported and encouraged scientific knowledge (e.g., Galileo, Chinese Cultural Revolution, the National Science Foundation).

• Students prepare reports on instances in Alaska where society has influenced the gathering or use of scientific information, indentifying the influences, and their outcome (e.g., the C. Thompson Study).

Standards Cross-References
( Alaska Department of Education & Early Development Standards)

National Science Education Standards

Progress in science and technology can be affected by social issues and challenges. Funding priorities for specific health problems serve as examples of ways that social issues influence science and technology. (Page 199)

Scientists are influenced by the societal, cultural, and personal beliefs and ways of viewing the world. Science is not separate from society but rather science is a part of society. (Page 201)

In history, diverse cultures have contributed scientific knowledge and technologic inventions. Modern science began to evolve rapidly in Europe several hundred years ago. During the past two centuries, it has contributed significantly to the industrialization of Western and non-Western cultures. However, other non-European cultures have developed scientific ideas and solved human problems through technology. (Page 201)

Benchmarks

The early Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Hindu, and Arabic cultures are responsible for many scientific and mathematical ideas and technological inventions. (Page 19)

Modern science is based on traditions of thought that came together in Europe about 500 years ago. People from all cultures now contribute to the tradition. (Page 19)

Progress in science and invention depends heavily on what else is happening in society, and history often depends on scientific and technological developments. (Page 19)