1. UNIT 5 Perceptions of Science
Miss Edmunds

2. TASK
In groups of 2/3 produce a spider diagram showing the perceptions of science that different groups of people may have e.g. research scientists, politicians, religious groups, newspaper editors, students.

3. Unit Learning Outcomes
Know how scientific ideas develop.
Understand the public perceptions of science as influenced by the media.
Be able to investigate the ethical and moral issues associated with scientific advances.
Know the relationship between science, commerce and politics.

4. Unit Overview In this unit you will:
Gain an understanding of the developments in scientific theories and theory testing.
Appreciate the difficulties faced by many theorists and the need for acceptance in the scientific community.
Learn about the role of the media and how reporting can affect public perception.
Develop research techniques and discover that many advances are associated with moral or ethical issues.
Learn how the need for funding affects the development of science and understand the links between scientific advancement and the misuse of science for political and financial gains.

6. Grading criteria P2 – Identify public perception about science.
P3 – Explain how the media has influenced public perception of science.
M2 – Explain whether concerns raised about science in the media are justified.
D2 – Analyse whether the media makes a positive contribution to the public perception of science

7. What is media? A means of communication to the general public.
T.V.
Newspaper
Radio
Internet
The media has a huge influence over public opinion.
Different types of media will present information in a different way.

8. TASK For television, newspaper and the internet describe:
The target audience
The way you think they present the information.
The influence you think that it has on public opinion.

9. TASK
When news needs to reach the general public informing them of a deadly new virus, which form of media would be the most suitable and why?
Write a few paragraphs/ script that you would find on the news or in a paper about this issue. Include details of any images or videos you would use.

10.
icle /Breathtaking-synchronised- display-caterpillars-captured-Ukraine.html

11. Types of questions Open questions e.g. Why?
Multiple choice questions e.g. Marital status.
Yes/ no questions.
Graded opinion questions.

12. Task 2
You need to investigate the public perception of science through the use of a questionnaire.
Funding, importance, technology, education, politics, future advances etc.
Individually, write a questionnaire that would allow you to address this. Do not include any more than 10 questions.

13. What is the public’s perception of science?
Sample your questionnaire on 5 people
Use your results to answer the question :
What is the public’s perception of science?
Do you think that you need to make any changes to your questionnaire?
Does your questionnaire allow you to answer the question in red?