Science Tech Infopack 2017

1 RAFFLES INSTITUTION YEAR 5 GENERAL PAPER STUDENTS’ INFORMATION PACKAGE Units: Science & Technology (Terms 3 & 4, 2017) Enduring Understandings And Essential Questions 2 Past Year Examination Questions 3 Nature of scientific knowledge 1. What is science? 7 2. a. Religion has nothing to do with science – and vice versa 11 b. Why Science does not disprove God 13 Science & ethics End-of-life matters 3. Patients' rights and end-of-life decisions 16 Drug patents 4. a. Why drug patents are needed 21 b. Drug patents are bad for your health – the cost of mismarketing 22 Animal testing 5. a. Should animal testing be banned? 24 b. Not Doctor Frankensteins 26 c. Singapore guidelines on animal testing 28 d. Alternatives to animal testing 29 Science and money 6. Billionaires with big ideas are privatizing American science 32 Science and impact on society Disruption & Skills 7. What Disruptive Technology Means 36 8. How Technology changes the skills we need to learn 38 9. Why Robots won't steal Accountants' Jobs 41 Justifications of new technologies Space 10. The politics of outer space 44 11. Why India is investing in space 47 Drones 12. Drones among us 50 13. a. Drones: Actually the most humane form of warfare ever 53 b. Our drone war burnout 55 Mathematics 14. Mathematics – certainty and reliability 59 15. Why Mathematics is beautiful and why it matters 62 16. Mathematics and its impact on society 65 ASSSESSMENT Term 3 & 4 - 1 full comprehension, 1 essay

2 Science & Technology Enduring Understanding(s): What will students understand as a result of this unit? The nature of science: 1. Science attempts to understand, explain and predict the world we live in, through diverse methods of experimentation or observation and theory construction. 2. Like all other disciplines, science rests on assumptions, which may or may not be justifiable. 3. The relationship between science and religion, in the particular the question of their compatibility, is a subject of continued debate. Science and society: 4. Science is a social enterprise, informed and affected by perspectives, values and interests. Scientific discovery, technological change and social change affect one another and cannot be discussed in isolation 5. In this way, technology has far-reaching effects, both positive and negative, on norms, values and quality of life. 6. The negative effects and ethical concerns revolving around scientific research as well as technological tools have resulted in calls for regulatory measures. 7. Science, like all other fields, is affected by issues of funding and concerns of profit and practicality. 8. This has an impact on issues such as accessibility to technology, ethical usage and how research is prioritised. Essential Questions: What are the essential questions of this unit? 1. Is science value-neutral? 2. What are the ethical responsibilities of the scientist? 3. How do consumer interest and profit motive affect the field of science? 4. What ethical issues are raised? 5. Does more advanced technology necessarily imply better lives?

3 Essay Questions: Science and Ethics 1. To what extent do we need religion when science can answer most of our questions? (RI Y6 CT2 2016) 2. 'Human need, rather than profit, should always be the main concern of scientific research.' Discuss. (Camb 2016) 3. ‘Human actions should be based on scientific fact, not religious faith.’ How far do you agree with this statement? (Camb 2015) 4. To what extent is it desirable to place limits on scientific research? (RI Y5 Promo 2015) 5. ‘We should only fund scientific research that improves our quality of life.’ Discuss. (RI Y6 CT1 2015) 6. ‘Unlimited scientific research is the only way to make real scientific progress.’ Do you agree? (RI Y6 Prelim 2015) 7. Do you agree that exploring space should not be a priority in today’s world? (Promo 2014) 8. ‘Moral considerations hinder scientific progress.’ Comment. (JC2 CT1 2012) 9. Should scientific research be largely driven by commercial interests? (JC1 CT 2012) 10. To what extent is it acceptable for private companies to be involved in financing scientific research? (Camb 2011) 11. Can national nuclear programmes ever be justified? (JC2 Prelim 2011) 12. Do you agree that the barriers to scientific research in the 21st century are more ideological than technological? (JC2 CT2 2011) 13. Can space research be justified nowadays? (Camb 2011) 14. ‘Scientific decisions should be left to scientists.’ To what extent do you agree? (JC2 Prelim 2010) 15. Do moral judgements compromise the true spirit of scientific inquiry? (JC2 CT1 2010) 16. Should Science serve only the public good and not private gain? (JC1 CT 2010) 17. ‘Science cannot stop while ethics catches up.’ (Elvin Stackman) What is your view? (JC 1 Promo 2009) 18. Should every country have the right to carry out unlimited scientific research? (Camb 2009) 19. ‘Science can and should be free from values.’ Discuss. (JC1 Prelims 2007) 20. Are there any circumstances in which it would be acceptable to use animals f or scientific research? (Camb 2006) 21. ‘Science has lost its social and moral purpose.’ To what extent do you agree? (JC2 Prelims 2006) 22. Should scientific research be dictated by ethical concerns? (JC1 Prelims 2006) 23. To what extent is the integrity of scientifi c research undermined by its links with big business? (JC2 CT1 2005) 24. Do moral standards impede the progress of science? (JC1 Promo 2005) 25. ‘How inventions and discoveries are used is not the concern of the scientist.’ Do you agree? (Camb 2004) 26. ‘The end jus tifies the means.’ How true is this statement with regard to the latest scientific developments? (JC1 Promo 2003) 27. ‘Space exploration is a colossal waste of money and human lives.’ Do you agree? (JC2 CT1 2003)

4 28. Discuss some of the moral issues facing the world of science and medicine today. (JC1 Promo 2002) 29. Should any limits be placed upon scientific developments? (Camb 1996) Technology and Society 1. Why should we bother with remembering when technology can do it for us? (RI Y6 CT1 2016) 2. 'Science creates more problems than it seeks to solve.' Comment. (RI Y5 CT 2016) 3. ‘Books serve little purpose in education as technological developments become more sophisticated.’ How far do you agree? (Camb 2015) 4. Is a fear of artificial intelligence justifiable? (RI Y5 Promo 2015) 5. To what extent can technology be a solution to social problems? (RI Y6 CT1 2015) 6. Consider the view that science serves mankind better than religion. (RI Y6 Prelim 2015) 7. Are we overly dependent on digital technology? (RI Y5 CT1 2015) 8. Examine the extent to which expenditure on arms and the armed forces is justifiable in the modern world. (Camb 2014) 9. To what extent can the regulation of scientific or technological developments be justified? (Camb 2014) 10. Do you agree that the best way to combat disease is through science? (Prelim 2014) 11. Discuss how robotics contributes to the modern world. (RI Y6 CT2 2014) 12. To what extent should we limit technology’s influence on sports? (RI Y6 CT2 2014) 13. ‘Technological advancement has worsened the problem of poverty.’ Do you agree? (RI Y5 CT 2014) 14. How far is it acceptable for technology to be used only for financial benefit? (Camb 2012) 15. Consider the view that modern technology is the only answ