Ohio University Launches Ethics-in-Science Program for High School Teachers

Contact: Jess Goode, (740) 593-1886 or goode@ohio.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (May 10, 2001) -- Modern science brings daily breathtaking advances, but those same breakthroughs often raise thorny ethical questions.

This summer, Ohio University's Institute for Applied Professional Ethics is aiming to bring a deeper philosophical dimension to science by launching a four-day ethics program for high school science teachers.

The program, "Making Science Right," will provide participating teachers the opportunity to learn basic theoretical concepts and skills, hone them on a few practical examples and then create content and forge materials tailored to their own particular goals and needs.

"Instruction in ethical issues and decision making is often divorced from instruction in scientific methods and principles," said program organizer and Ohio University philosophy professor Arthur Zucker. "Most high school students, even those with excellent grades, graduate without a grasp of the ethical and social forces that shape science and its uses. 'Making Science Right' will help regional high school science teachers add an ethical dimension to their current curriculum."

The primary goal is to provide guidance to science teachers as they help students recognize the values inherent in science as well as the moral and social implications of scientific endeavors.

"Our ultimate goal is to help science students understand the relationship between science and values," Zucker said. "We hope this leads to not only a greater philosophical depth, but also a greater enthusiasm for learning about science."

The four-day program begins June 26 and includes three academic credits from Ohio University, food and lodging for a cost of roughly $300. Teachers interested in participating in the program should contact Arthur Zucker at (740) 593-4596 before June 11.