Science Fusion PowerNotes - Grade 8 Unit 1 Lesson 5 - Science and Society

1. Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society
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2. Water, water everywhere!
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In what areas does science help us
make decisions?
• Science has led to lifesaving discoveries and has
taught us to protect our resources, too.
• Decision-makers use scientific information to help
them make laws.
• Rules and laws may be enforced by government
agencies on the community, state, and national
levels.
Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society

3. In what areas does science help us
make decisions?
• Some decisions affect more than one country and
have to be made on the international level.
• In this case, nations adhere to agreed-upon rules.
• Science gives a country’s representatives the data
they need to talk about and make decisions about
these types of matters.
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Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society

4. High Goals
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How can science and politics affect
each other?
• The direction of science is affected by many
things, including political, societal, and economic
concerns.
• Science, in turn, affects politics, society, and the
economy.
Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society

5. How can science and politics affect
each other?
• At times, politics or government leaders set a
direction or goal for science.
• Political support can increase funding for scientists
studying certain areas.
• Political support can also encourage scientists to
work together.
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Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society

6. How can science and politics affect
each other?
• Some people question the value of certain
scientific projects.
• These people argue that our resources should be
spent on solving more urgent problems.
• Others point out that even these scientific projects
have benefited humanity.
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Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society

7. Big Help!
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How do science, society, and
economics interact?
• Science is influenced by societal needs and
economics.
• If society sees no value in certain research,
scientists may not get funding for the research.
• People may not buy or use new technologies if
they do not think they are useful.
Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society

8. How do science, society, and
economics interact?
• Scientists look for ways to meet the needs of
society.
• As scientists explore new things, they gain new
knowledge that may improve upon or even
challenge existing knowledge.
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Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society

9. How do science, society, and
economics interact?
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Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society
• How did scientific advances reduce polio rates?
How did that affect the U.S. economy?

10. How do science, society, and
economics interact?
• Science and economics affect each other.
• Science can be expensive, and priorities must be
set on how to spend money on science.
• Conversely, science makes improvements that
allow people to live longer, make more money,
and put more money back into the economy.
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Unit 1 Lesson 5 Science and Society