science
Science
1. Are you a scientist? Would you like to be a scientist? Why or why not? In which field? Would you like your children to be scientists?
Scientists
2. What is your stereotypical image of scientists? Describe a stereotypical scientist.
3. Scientists don’t earn that much money. True or false?
4. Who are some (famous) scientists from your country? What did they discover or study?
5. Do scientists study very hard, or does it come naturally for them?
6. Do you know any scientists? What do they work on?
7. There is a shortage of scientists and engineers in my country. Yes or no?
8. Are there many foreign scientists and engineers in your city?
Science Education
9. Do or did you study basic science at school? What do you remember about science from school? What lesson or fact do you remember most?
10. Does science come easily for you or your friends or classmates?
11. Do or did your teacher make it interesting? Can science lessons be made more interesting and fascinating? Give examples. How can science education be more interesting?
12. There needs to be more emphasis on science and math in school. More students should study more science. Do you agree?
13. Money should be given to students who get A’s (excellent marks) in science and math. What do you think?
14. Math, science and computers are the most important subjects; everything else is a waste of time. What do you think?
Science and Society
15. Science will solve all the world’s problems. True or false or yes and no?
16. Science is a double-edged sword. Is this correct or wrong? What are some negative aspects of science?
17. Do women find scientists, truck drivers, or businessman the most attractive?
18. Most people don’t need to know much science to go about their daily lives; society needs only a few, really smart researchers and professors. Yes or no?
19. Changes in technology getting faster and faster; it is going to fast for me (and society)!
20. Winning a Nobel Prize in physics, chemistry, and physiology is more prestigious than winning Olympic medals or becoming a billionaire. Do you agree?
Science and Work, Career
21. Is knowledge in science necessary for most people in their work?
22. How much do scientists and engineers earn? Why aren’t scientists and engineers the highest paid professionals?
23. Studying math and science in school and university is helpful in business, sales and law.
24. The greatest scientific breakthroughs were made by young, male scientists trying to impress women.
History of Science
25. Who were some of the greatest or most influential scientists in history? What did they do or discover?
26. Which countries have lots of leading edge science? What are their secrets?
27. Has some countries had a monopoly on science breakthrough, or has it shifted throughout history?
28. What were some crucial scientific innovations or inventions?
Government, Corporations
29. More money be transferred away from bureaucracy and social services and invested in scientific research. Do you agree?
30. Scientific and technological progress has been more important and beneficial to humanity than democracy and freedom. Yes or no? Give examples.
31. It’s better to live in a technologically advanced but totalitarian, despotic state than in a poor, Third World democracy. What do you think?
32. It would be better if more politicians had educations and careers in science than law. Yes or no?
33. Has your country had prime ministers or presidents who were scientists or engineers?
