COURSE NAME: Science in the Headlines

SCHOOL DISTRICT: Catskill

INSTRUCTOR: Chad Jaconski

Half Year

MAXIMUM TOTAL CLASS ENROLLMENT - ALL SITES: 30

COURSE PREREQUISITES: Recommended successful completion of Earth Science and Living Environment as well as English 10

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION / OUTLINE: Read any site or open any newspaper or magazine and you are
bombarded with science. Weather it be global warming, human cloning, bird flu, or life on Mars, our headlines
are becoming increasingly science driven.

This course aims to improve the science literacy of its participants through discussions, readings, and
writings about relevant science topics. Students will take a critical look at how scientific debate is presented
in the news by looking at topics such as climate change and genetic engineering.

The media's portrayal of scientific fact versus science fiction will be examined through topics like public
health scares and scientific "breakthroughs". This course is intended for all students interested in a better
understanding of the scientific world around them.

Topics will be covered in a way that a broad spectrum of learners can participate, although successful
completion of Earth Science, Living Environment, and English 10 are strongly encouraged.

1/4/11