W HY DOES YOUR VOICE CHANGE WHEN YOU INHALE HELIUM GAS ?

S CIENCE, T ECHNOLOGY, S OCIETY AND THE E NVIRONMENT (STSE)

S CIENCE A body of knowledge or facts. A way of thinking about or approaching a topic. Asks questions that aim to increase our understanding of the physical universe and our ability to explain nature.

T ECHNOLOGY Applied science. A topic involving the designing and use of devices, processes, and materials to solve practical problems and to satisfy human needs and wants.

S OCIETY A group, large or small, of people in a particular place and time who are linked by common goals and interests.

E NVIRONMENT The natural world or ecosystem. The area in which something exists or lives. The complex of physical, chemical, and biological factors in which a living organism or community exists.

W HAT IS STSE ALL ABOUT ? This is an outlook on science education that emphasizes the teaching of scientific and technological developments in their cultural, economic, social and political contexts. In this view of science education, students are encouraged to engage in issues pertaining to the impact of science on everyday life and make responsible decisions about how to address such issues.

G OALS OF STSE E DUCATION Engaging students in examining a variety of real world issues and grounding scientific knowledge in such realities. In today's world, such issues might include the impact on society of: global warming, genetic engineering, animal testing, deforestation practices, nuclear testing and environmental legislations, such as the EU Waste Legislation or the Kyoto Protocol.

G OALS OF STSE E DUCATION Enabling students to formulate a critical understanding of the interface between science, society and technology.

G OALS OF STSE E DUCATION Developing students’ capacities and confidence to make informed decisions, and to take responsible action to address issues arising from the impact of science on their daily lives.

S CIENCE OR T ECHNOLOGY ? Fat and lye when heated will make a yellow substance. (S) Soap is a good cleaning substance; it is made from fats, oils, and lye. (T) Neon is a colorless gas. (S) Neon is used to make colorful signs. (T)

S CIENCE OR T ECHNOLOGY ? Aluminum is a light weight metal. (S) Airplanes are made from aluminum. (T) A glass lens will bend (refract) light. (S) Glass lenses are used to help make telescopes. (T)

S CIENCE OR T ECHNOLOGY ? Can anybody give me another example?

S CIENCE OR T ECHNOLOGY ? The following list represents examples of items or actions that might be classified as science, technology, both, or neither. Select three examples from the list and for each example state if you think it is an example of science, technology, both, or neither and explain why.

S CIENCE OR T ECHNOLOGY ? Shopping for shoes A Computer Making Cookies Photosynthesis Planting Seeds A Baseball Discovering the Speed of Sound A Factory Playing a CD Getting a hair cut The Speed of Light Chemistry Playing the Guitar Reading a Book Analyzing Results Plant Growth Drinking a Soft Drink RedBull Contact Lenses Ironing Clothes Stone Washed Jeans