At the end of this unit
most pupils: know about a topical science-related issue and the key events relating to it. They recognise its social, political and/or economic implications. They evaluate how media sources both inform and affect our understanding of the issue, and appreciate that differing viewpoints can lead to conflicting demands for action. They recognise the need to consider the balance of the competing rights and responsibilities involved. They consider other people's experiences and explain views that are not necessarily their own. They appreciate that knowledge of scientific ideas helps people to understand the issue. They understand the decision-making process that creates public policy in this case. They know of the work of relevant community-based, national and/or international public services and voluntary groups.
some pupils have not made so much progress and: show limited understanding of a topical science-related issue, including its political dimension. They use some media sources to find out about a contemporary issue, problem or event. They understand that other people have different points of view. They make some links between relevant science and the issue.
some pupils have progressed further and: show detailed knowledge of a topical science-related issue, including its social, political and economic dimensions. They demonstrate the ability to evaluate and use a wide range of media sources, and recognise how media presentation affects our understanding and opinions of the issue. They express a range of views that are not necessarily their own, and understand how decisions about relevant public policy are taken. They appreciate the need to consider the balance of the competing rights and responsibilities involved. They make correct, detailed links between scientific insights and the issue. They show a detailed understanding of several relevant organisations, their limitations, and the opportunities they themselves have for influencing public debate.
Expectations in science appropriate to the issues explored can be taken from the key stage 3 science scheme of work.
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