Science In The Service of Society

Science in the Service of Society aims to increase student awareness of the meaningful applications of the scientific process in helping to increase equity by considering the voices of traditionally marginalized groups when developing plans addressing environmental issues. This lesson will draw on the work of Goldman Environmental Prize winners, recent issues in the news such as the Keystone Pipeline and drinking water in Flint, Michigan, as well as the ongoing crises surrounding hydroelectric power in the Amazon. Videos and vignettes will be used to introduce students to the various environmental issues at hand, and then students will work in groups to envision a plan that includes the voices of the marginalized in developing a potential solution. Using their knowledge of stakeholders, students will develop targeted questions whose responses can be used to help to guide policy and environmental action.