Gina Florio
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Chemistry
"Science Learning Community: Great Science
Debate 2008"
Overview
The students in the Science Learning Community were invited to
participate in an informal debate and discussion of the most
significant Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
issues facing our country as we were poised to elect the 44th
President of the United States of America. The event was a
collaborative effort involving the Learning Community office, the
Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Toxicology, the
Institute for Writing Studies, and The New York Times, which
consisted of three parts. First, the students were asked to go to
the ScienceDebate2008 website, www.sciencedebate2008.com, and read
each candidate’s platform and opinions regarding the 14 most
important STEM issues. Next, the students were asked to choose one
issue and to answer, in writing, three questions: (1) what is
Senator McCain’s stance and policy on the issue, (2) what is
Senator Obama’s stance and policy on the issue, and (3) what is
your stance on the issue and why? Finally, the students were
invited to bring their answers to an informal discussion and dinner
held in community room of one of the dormitories. The event was an
overwhelming success – 130 students, 6 faculty members, and a
representative from The New York Times participated in a spirited,
informed, insightful discussion of important issues facing us as
citizen scientists.
Student Papers
To gain a deeper understanding of the students’ interest, it is
instructive to analyze their papers. Figure 1 displays the
breakdown of the papers submitted on each the 14 issues. The
students have a strong interest in stem cell research, which
accounted for nearly 40% of all papers submitted. It was initially
surprising to find such a large response to the issue of stem cell
research; however it is one of the most controversial STEM issues,
having very obvious ethical, moral, and scientific consequences.
Moreover, the Candidates’ stances on this issue were distinct. In
their papers, the students were clearly grappling with the ethical
and moral aspects of stem cell research, while recognizing its
scientific and technological potential. Beyond stem cell research,
other issues such as energy, climate change, health care, and water
resources evoked the next largest fraction of responses.
Feedback on the Event
Based on the LC surveys, the students were excited about the
opportunity to meet with faculty and each other to discuss relevant
issues outside of a formal learning environment. They found the
project stimulating, informative, and empowering as they prepared
to vote on November 4, 2008. The faculty found the event equally
impressive – it was an opportunity for us to connect with our
students and learn what issues are important to them. We were
impressed by their passion, knowledge, and level of enthusiasm
regarding the STEM challenges facing our country.
[To see Dr. Florio's assignment, read more...]