WEEK 10
SUBJECT: BASIC
SCIENCE
CLASS: GRADE 9
TERM: SECOND
TOPIC: ETHICAL
ISSUES IN SCIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED)
IMPLICATIONS OF
BAD SCIENTIFIC PRACTICES
Great progress in the three branches of sciences,
i.e., biology, chemistry and physics has brought about many changes in man’s
life and his environment. Science has filled in the gaps between scattered
countries into a global village through various telecommunications, the most
recent one being the internet.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
OF SCIENCE ON INDIVIDUALS
1.
Due to the increase in industrial activities, pollution occurs. The incessant
release of more dust, smoke and other toxic substances makes breathing very
difficult and if a person continues to live in such a polluted atmosphere, he
or she suffers from respiratory diseases. Such individuals can even end up with
lung cancer. Water pollution is also a threatening problem to mankind. Dyes and
soaps when discharged continuously in rivers, lakes or ponds cause the water to
become undrinkable. Living organisms like fish, toads, and algae all get
poisoned. In some regions, uneducated fishermen collect the infected fish from
the banks of the river. The fish is cooked and eaten. As a result, the consumer
gets contaminated. Similarly, the whole citizens are put in danger.
2.
Another negative effect of science is the destruction of the protective ozone
layer. Because of the highly toxic and harmful smoke released by the several
chimneys of industries-and the CFCs into the air, a hole in the ozone layer
near the North Pole can now be seen. The ultraviolet rays of the sun reach us
easily and this leads to skin problems. Radiation also increases the risk of
cataract.
3.
Mercy killing involves termination of life of a patient who has a terminal
disease. Medical science can help such help people. But other people believe
that such persons may miraculously survive.
4.
According to some religious communities, abortion is the termination of human
life while others say it may save the life of a mother or limit the family
size.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
ON A COUNTRY
1.
The invention of nuclear technology may lead to mass destruction of the whole
world. Other weapons produced are guns, grenades and chemical weapons. All
these are used in wars to destroy the biomass.
2.
We have the example of Chernobyl disaster. The Chernobyl disaster (26 April
1986) was a nuclear reactor accident in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in
the Soviet Union (now Northern Ukrane). It was the worst nuclear power plant
accident in history affecting millions of people due to radiation-induced
cancer and leukaemia. Four hundred times more fallout was released than had
been by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
ASSIGNMENT
1.
State one major breakthrough realized as a result of science.
2.
State two adverse effects of science on individuals.
3.
State two effects of science on a country.
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