How can HPS Contribute to Science Literacy and Policy

The conference on “How Can HPS Contribute to Science Literacy and Citizenship?” will focus on what should be taught to prepare students to participate as citizens in discussions of policy when scientific concerns must be accounted for along with those of economics, ethics, law, culture, and politics. What is it about science that future citizens need to understand to advise their leaders about policy? What historical examples can be used? What is the content bridge between the science classroom and the social studies classroom to address these issues in Grades K-12? What teacher professional development may be necessary? These are some of the questions to be addressed.

The conference will consist of presentations and a subsequent round-table discussion intended for the conferees to share ideas. During the round-table, science and social studies teachers will have an opportunity to express their perspectives based on their classroom experience.

For more information on the public conference, please contact the Boston University Center for Philosophy and History of Science ([email protected], phone: (617) 353-2604).