Background 1

 

“ The Reluctance of young people in many of the economically developed countries to enter S&T

fields has more to do with the perceived values and images of S&T than with a lack of respect for S&T

or lack of knowledge” (Rose, 2007).

What is the image? How can we shape it?

2

Physical, social, moralmoral

Motivation for my study

Common to all: Stereotypical (physical & social) image of the scientist –

The western image:

Einstein is the ultimate scientist

The scientist is:• A man • Who works in the laboratory• Very intelligent• Using ordinary tools• Don’t have a social life

Religious/conservative groups:

Authorative image

Background3

:

To check the attitudes of talented of highschool pupils about the

ethical & social consequencesof the scientist’s research

Target

4 Value judgments of science

Microbe Hunters: A scientist who endangers others’ lives in order to determine the cause of the yellow fever epidemic (Paul De Kruif, 1926).

Walter Reed

Frankenstein: A scientist who behaved like a god by creating a living creature, and later disregards him )shelly, 1818)

group discussions & questionnairesSpecialTools

based on literature and movies, such as : 5

Ambivalent opinions of students toward science, BUT mainly positive

Those who justify the scientist’s acts claim: • "In order to save humanity we must harm the individual”• "the benefit of society delays the benefit of the

individual".Those who negate the scientist’s acts claim:• “It is not ethical nor is it moral; it is forbidden to

conduct experiments on humans”• “He didn't accept the fact that death is part of life“• “instead of taking care of the creature, he neglects him“

(frankenstein)

Results6

• Learning about specific scientists and science in order to increase motivation to “do science” and “be a scientist”

•Including group discussions to deal with ethnical problems – especially among talented pupils

• Exposing students to science-related works (literature & movies) which show different images of science and scientists

Ways to Increase student’s identificationwith being a scientist

7 Implications