Resources for Activity 6: Weighing the Options: A Look at Tradeoffs

Overview:
Managing risk includes deciding which option is best at reducing risks. The process requires incorporating the data obtained from risk assessments plus the social, ethical, cultural, economic, and political values of the time. In this activity, students will explore the risk management process for personal choices while "grocery shopping." They will also debate the use of cost/benefit analysis for making public policy decisions using the protection of endangered species as an example.

Student Pages:
Grocery List
Cost/Benefit Analysis and Ethical Consideration
Endangered Species
Economic Considerations Within the Endangered Species Act

Additional Resources:
Teaching About Controversial Topics in Science
This new series in NSTA Reports is based on the NSTA Press book Thinking Scientifically About Controversial Issues: Clones, Cats, and Chemicals. The book examines 10 dilemmas from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, technology, and mathematics to help challenge students to confront scientific and social problems that offer few black-and-white solutions. It provides the facts and the framework to provoke classroom debates.

Earth & Sky Radio Correlations
This activity can be supplemented with related Earth & Sky radio shows that you can download for use in your classroom. Learn about the PLT and Earth & Sky Initiative.

Related Earth & Sky Shows:
- Craig Cooper on Energy/Water Tradeoffs in Oil Extraction (2009)
- Elke Anklam Describes Nanofoods’ Benefits and Possible Risks (2009)