Learning about astrobiology: a challenge for the public understanding of science
One of my publications is
Taber, K. S. (2010). Learning about astrobiology: a challenge for the public understanding of science. In S. Hegedűs & J. Csonka (Eds.), Astrobiology: Physical Origin, Biological Evolution and Spatial Distribution (pp. 1-25). New York: Nova.
Abstract:
Over recent years the importance of the public understanding of science has been increasingly recognised. Science is not only a core area of culture, but is also a major area of investment from public expenditure. Awareness of the potential of science to develop technologies which can safeguard and extend the quality of life – for example, through medical advances – is matched by knowledge of the role science has played in developing increasingly effective mass weapon systems and in facilitating the non-sustainable exploitation of natural resources. The public has a somewhat ambivalent view on whether science is in general a good thing, and scientific careers are not seen as attractive to many talented young people. Scientists in all fields must therefore engage with the issue of 'public relations' rather than consider their work as only the concern of an intellectual elite. Education for public understanding has become one of the responsibilities of those working in research areas funded from the public purse. Furthermore, spending money on aspects of 'space science' may not seem a priority compared with developing renewable energy technologies, tackling pollution and protecting biodiversity here on earth. Astrobiology has some advantages in this regard, being an area that can readily inspire the public imagination. Conversely, the very familiarity with aliens represented in mass media, may also mean that scientists attempting to explain the nature and significance of their work to the public may often face unhelpful preconceptions. Moreover, it can be argued that the areas of science that astrobiology draws upon (such as chemical, biological and cosmological evolution) are among those where research into science education has identified major learning difficulties. The present chapter offers an analysis undertaken from the perspective of science education, to discuss the nature of the particular challenges faced by those seeking to facilitate public education in the field of astrobiology.
Download a copy of the manuscript version of the chapter.
Keywords:
- astrobiology;
- science communication;
- public understanding of science;
- learning science;
- alternative conceptions;
- understanding evolution;
- constructivism
Contents:
- Introduction
- The importance of scientific literacy
- The public sponsorship of science
- The ‘Public Understanding of Science’ as an emerging field
- Learning science: constructing understanding and responding to misconceptions
- The challenge of science teaching
- Alternative conceptions of science topics
- The nature of prior ideas about science topics
- Conceptual change in science
- The challenge for ‘science communicators’
- Prior knowledge and learning about astrobiology
- Learning about the earth in space
- Learning about the evolution of living things
- Conclusion
Download a copy of the manuscript version of the chapter.
