Using Science In Decision MakingType of Material (Student/PD/Assessment/etc.)

Written by: Beth Covitt (University of Montana) and Cornelia Harris (Cary Institute of Ecoystem Studies)

Culturally relevant ecology, learning progressions and environmental literacyLong Term Ecological Research Math Science Partnership

May 2011Disclaimer: This research is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation: Targeted Partnership: Culturally relevant ecology, learning progressions and environmental literacy (NSF-

0832173). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science

Foundation.

A Discussion to Wrap-Up the

City Council Activity

Version 5.2.11

How do/can citizens use science to inform decisions they make about environmental issues in private (e.g., consumer, worker) and or public (e.g., voter, advocate, elected official) roles?

Investigating an issue

Explaining the science involved in an issue for self and/or others

Predicting likely outcomes and impacts on connected human and natural environmental systems of different courses of action

Using all of the above (plus other considerations such as personal values) to help decide what to do in individual and/or societal roles

Using science to inform decisions can include…

Investigating an issue (2nd hand) involves… Defining the problem Considering arguments from different stakeholders Interpreting and evaluating evidence that different

stakeholders use to support their arguments Considering uncertainty Considering bias

Your thoughts… How do you decide which information to trust when you’re

investigating an issue? How do you decide what information you need, and what

counts as “sufficient” information?

Explaining and predicting involves… Explaining scientific systems and processes relevant to

an issue Making predictions about likely outcomes of different

courses of action to connected human and natural environmental systems

Your thoughts… What was interesting and/or challenging about above? What are your experiences with explaining science and

making predictions to help make a decision?

Discussion Questions How important were scientific arguments to your

group’s decision-making process? How important were non-scientific arguments (e.g.,

arguments about needing jobs in the community)? What values (e.g., creating jobs, having a healthy

environment, etc.) were most important to you in deciding how to vote?

Using science to make a decision involves combining explanations and predictions developed through a scientific investigation with one’s own personal values to decide what to do.

Do you have any feedback about this activity and/or suggestions for improving this activity for use with high school and college students?

Thank you for your help!