Live activities focus mainly on verbal communications; for example, making a presentation or taking part in a debate.

Debate on a scientific issue (PDF 37KB)

THINKING MACHINES ACTIVITY

This activity uses a number of scenarios looking at different areas of cognitive systems research as source material for students to discuss the risks, uses and moral implications of an emerging area of technology.

PARENT/TEACHER HANDOUT:
Thinking Machines Guidelines
(PDF 20KB)
STUDENT HANDOUT:
Thinking Machines Scenarios
(PDF 126 KB)

Cognitive Systems Scenarios were devised by the Foresight Programme.

BACKCHAT

BAckchat is the key event for 14-19 year olds at the BA Festival of Science. Taking part can count towards a Science Communicators Award. Click here to find out about BAckchat at the 2006 Festival and to download the teaching resources used.

PERSPECTIVES POSTERS

At the BA Festival of Science early-career scientists explore the social and ethical implications of their research by entering perspectives - a poster competition with a difference.

The posters from perspectives are a great resource for teachers. They can be used as a teaching aid or as examples of how to think about and illustrate the implications of scientific issues.