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Using Bioethical Case Studies to Enhance High School Science and Religion Classes

July 13, 2012

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Science and religion teachers are often confronted with questions from their students about bioethical issues. Many teachers have concerns about time constraints or the controversial nature of the topics, but the study of bioethics can encourage important critical thinking and problem solving skills. When students are actively engaged in real world problems, they develop an appreciation for the relevance of science in society, while at the same time enhancing their scientific literacy. Bioethical case studies range from relatively non-controversial issues, such as physical enhancement or ecological ethics to the most contentious, such as cloning or stem cell research. Finding the appropriate case studies for the grade level, type of science classroom, specific needs of the students and the sensibilities of administration and parents is important, and there are many resources available to teachers interested in this approach. Although I have always incorporated bioethics into my curriculum, it was nearly ten years ago that I obtained permission to design and teach a course focusing solely on bioethics. Ethical Issues in Science is an interdisciplinary course that weaves together theology, literature, film analysis, history, comparative religions, law, government & politics, cultural anthropology, psychology, media studies, and philosophy, all within the framework of science. This interdisciplinary approach provides many opportunities for critical thinking. Primary source documents are used to model and practice critical thinking and reading. Development of research skills, writing skills (both creative and persuasive) and public speaking skills are important components of the bioethicscurriculum.

Keywords:
teaching, case studies, bioethical pedagogy