K2P 9 Connecting Science and Society

Holocene or Anthropocene?

  • Human population explosion and increased resource consumption has led to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.

  • Paul Crutzen proposed the term "Anthropocene" to define the current epoch impacted by human activity (Crutzen, 2002).

  • Need for sufficient scientific literacy and critical thinking among humans to understand and mitigate our impacts.

Importance of Framing in Education

Definition of Framing

  • Framing refers to setting up lessons, units, or courses in a way that contextualizes learning.

  • Can range from a few minutes of introduction to several days for major projects.

  • Caution against over-framing to avoid losing student engagement.

Relevance of Framing

  • Effective framing provides context and relevance, enhancing students’ understanding and retention.

  • Use of "hooks" in teaching helps students connect to new information.

  • Socioscientific issues (SSI) serve as valuable hooks for engaging discussions in science teaching.

Benefits of Framing Lessons

  • Encourages student investment and participation by clarifying lesson relevance.

  • Activates prior knowledge and helps students fill gaps in understanding.

  • Aiming to show relevance of science in everyday life and current societal issues.

Connecting Science and Society

  • Framing enhances student interest and connection to real-world issues.

  • Further resources available through a MOOC on Coursera (www.coursera.org/learn/teachingscience).

Popular SSI Framing Categories

Sustainability

  • Emerges from the Anthropocene frame, emphasizes the need to balance economy with social and environmental priorities.

  • Advocates protecting planetary boundaries in economic development.

Emerging Technologies

  • The rapid evolution of technology generates curiosity and anxiety among students about future societal changes.

  • Relevant lessons can be framed around innovation impacts, preparing students for job market realities.

Health and Wellbeing

  • Topics surrounding the human body and interpersonal relationships resonate across diverse student backgrounds.

  • Engaging health themes fosters relatability and interest.

Easy Steps for Effective Framing

  • Start lessons with visual aids to enhance relevance before discussing complex information.

  • Integrate current events into classroom discussions to connect science with students' lives.

Advanced Strategies for Framing

  • Use the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to contextualize lessons around global challenges.

  • Balance empowerment with awareness, especially when dealing with controversial issues.

  • Frame alarming topics positively by following them with discussions on solutions like carbon capture and renewable energy.

Broader Contexts

  • Consider how controversial issues can motivate interest without causing student anxiety.

  • Ensure discussions around topics like the Anthropocene are supplemented with optimistic views of potential remedies.