The Risk of Risks: a challenge and a dilemma for science and technological education

Abstract

Curriculum research and development in both science and technology education has as one of its major focuses the Science, Technology and Society Movement (STS). Although there are many interpretations of the purpose of STS, one of the major threads is the desire to see education become more socially responsible. This aim requires that the conclusions of both science and technology may be viewed as essentially problematic and dependent on human interests. This paper considers the challenge confronting educators when considering the impact of risks generated by science and technology on the lives of citizens.