Overview of Project

This project will be implemented from 2003-2005. The purpose of this project is to enable students to critically evaluate the inter-related roles of science and citizenship. It will also develop an awareness of the interdependencies that exist between communities in the border region.

The areas of science and citizenship have been selected because of the growing emphasis on them in the second-level curriculum and their contrasting uses in facilitating North-South communication. At present science presents itself as universally valid and neutral, while citizenship is a culturally more challenging topic.

This project will centre on a shared Web resource 'Citizenship and Science Exchange', with curriculum support materials, discussion areas and 'ask the expert' services, where teachers and students can interact in debate and discourse on the roles, rights, responsibilities of the citizen in a society which is increasingly science-dependent.

Aim & Objectives of CaSE Project

Aim of the Project
The aim of this project is to foster an online cross-border citizenship and science forum that can be used to exchange views on the roles, rights and responsibilities of the citizen through an examination of science in society.

Objectives of the Project
The objectives of the project are:

• To raise an awareness of the dynamic relationship between science and citizenship
• To develop a process through which teachers and students can engage in a dialogue on issues relating to science and citizenship
• To foster critical thinking skills in the consideration of the linkages between science and citizenship.
• To foster confidence in the exercise of citizenship in a science-dependent society.

Scope of the Project & Key Participants

Scope of the Project

The Science and Citizenship project will run for a duration of two and a half years. The design phase will take place from March to December 2003, the implementation phases with ongoing evaluation will take place between January 2004 and February 2005 and the final evaluation and write-up phase will occur from March to August 2005.

Project Team

Project Manager: Mr. Andy Pollak

Team Leader: Ms. Carmel Mulcahy

Principal Researchers: Dr. Peter McKenna & Ms. Charlotte Holland

Western Education & Library Board Contact: Ms. Lynda McKee

Southern Education & Library Board Contact: Ms. Vivien Kelly

Key Participants

The project will involve teachers and students from second level schools on both sides of the border. The participating students will be in the 12-15 year old age bracket.