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Vision Learning
Visionlearning: Ideas in Science: Scientific Controversy
Read to find out why controversy in science can actually be productive and help science progress.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Kennewick Man: Science and Sacred Rights
Excellent, thought-provoking lesson plan on the controversy over the remains of what is known as the Kennewick Man. Should they be considered as remains of a Native American ancestor and thus be buried or should scientists be allowed to...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Science and Religion
A instructional activity using the strategy of structured academic controversy where young scholars explore the roots of differing perspectives on evolution, In the process, they develop a deepened understanding of science and religion,...
University of California
Wise: The Web Based Inquiry Science Environment
[Free Registration/Login Required] Enter a place where students and teachers can examine real world current science controversies. This resource allows teachers to choose and grade a project based on their curriculum. The students can...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Making Civics Real: Controversial Public Policy Issues
This set of lesson plans contains background information on the teacher and school featured in the one hour video Workshop 7: Controversial Public Policy Issues.
Other
Skeptical Science: Global Warming & Climate Change Myths
Close to two hundred myths about climate change are listed, with a detailed scientific response beside each. The myths can be sorted in a number of ways, e.g., by categories or popularity. Responses may include images, charts, or videos,...
NASA
Nasa Space Science Data Archive: Photo Gallery: Mars
A huge collection of pictures of Mars, including shots from spacecraft and landers. Extensive coverage of controversial features like the "face on Mars" with comparison photos from Viking and Mars Global Surveyor.
BBC
Bbc: Vermeer and the Camera Obscura
An interesting viewpoint written by Philip Steadman on the controversial subject of Vermeer using a Camera Obscura to trace and create his paintings. There is factual evidence as well as a physical description of the Camera Obscura.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation: News in Science: Volcano Theories May Need Revision
From ABC News in Science, Anna Salleh's article discusses controversial research by Professor John Tarduno which suggests new ideas toward the formation of chain volcanic islands.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation: News in Science: Dark Matter Sure Is a Fast Mover
From ABC News in Science, Marilyn Head's article on dark matter explores the speed at which dark matter moves. The article revolves around current research into the very existence of dark matter and the controversies surrounding its study.
Columbia University
Columbia University: Columbia University & Slavery 10. Columbia
This website was created by faculty, students, and staff to publicly present information about Columbia's historical connections to the institution of slavery. Like most northern colleges, Columbia admitted no black students before the...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Writing a Persuasive Essay
In this lesson students research opposing viewpoints on controversial issues and develop their own position papers. Though primarily for English classes, this lesson could be easily adapted for an interdisciplinary unit with social...
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Luigi Galvani
Luigi Galvani was a pioneer in the field of electrophysiology, the branch of science concerned with electrical phenomena in the body. His experiments with dissected frogs and electrical charges led him to suggest the existence of a...
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Issues in (Biology) Education
A series of articles on current issues in teaching biology. Several are available in Spanish.
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Kennewick Man: Controlling History
In addition to a short explanation of the Kennewick Man and the outcome of the controversy surrounding the remains, this site also provides reactions to the decision, the legal battle, a timeline, and a page on the "First Americans."
Other
Evolution and Creation
A short discussion covering the controversy between those who believe in evolution and the "creationists." The author suggests that it is possible to be a Christian and still believe in evolution.
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Rebuilding Levees
Controversy surrounds the rebuilding of the New Orleans levees destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Audio, video, and a transcript of this report are available. Report is from February, 2006.
BBC
Bbc Newsround: Eating Horsemeat "May Improve Life for Horses"
Article reports on the debate in the UK around the consumption of horsemeat.
Biotechnology Institute
Biotechnology Institute: Your World: A World of Change [Pdf]
The introduction of genetically modified organisms (animals, microbes, and plants) into agriculture has been accompanied by controversies over their potential impact on human health, the environment, and farming systems. Management of...
Stanford University
Stanford Report: Edward Teller, Father of Hydrogen Bomb
Students don't generally learn much about Edward Teller in school. But with the progress in science in the 20th century, maybe they should. Edward Teller was one of the main architects of the hydrogen bomb. This is a great site by...
PBS
Pbs Teachers:stem Cell Research Policy Lesson Plan: Create an Advocacy Brochure
Research the science and controversy around stem cell research and evaluate, defend or attack President Bush's ruling on federal spending regarding this issue. Create brochures to display knowledge and point of view.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Early Photography: Niepce, Talbot and Muybridge
Photography is a controversial fine art medium, simply because it is difficult to classify-is it an art or a science? Nineteenth-century photographers struggled with this distinction, trying to reconcile aesthetics with improvements in...
Other
Canadian Institutes of Health Research: Human Stem Cell Research [Pdf]
A recent study in which the authors examined the health and ethical issues related to human stem cell research. As a result of this study, Canada did allow human stem cell research to proceed. The report is in PDF format.
Read Works
Read Works: A Distant Relative
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about a humanoid skull discovered in 2001. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.